§ 32. Mr. Simon ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his Department's work to find alternative commercial opportunities at test and evaluation ranges. [76726]
§ Mr. IngramOver the next year, Defence Estates will be closely examining QinetiQ's rationalisation plans for test and evaluation ranges to identify whether any property can be declared surplus to Ministry of Defence requirements and released for commercial opportunities. In addition, the Defence Diversification 57W Agency (DDA) continues to work in support of the regional development agencies, which assume overall responsibility for economic regeneration issues. Wherever possible, the DDA assists local communities to secure diversification opportunities through the use of Ministry of Defence technology transfer, expertise and information sharing.