§ Mr. Patrick Maitlandasked the Minister of Defence what action is to be taken to provide the Services with a guided weapons training range.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydExisting ranges suitable for guided weapon firing are used primarily for development work and have insufficient capacity to meet the requirements of the Services for training in the operational use of these weapons. The Government have, therefore, decided that, in view of the great importance of proper operational training, a special range must be provided to be devoted primarily to this purpose. After careful consideration, they have concluded that the range must be in this country; to establish it over- 159W seas would be impracticable, not only because of the difficulties of maintenance and supply, but because it would entail the absence of front line units of the Home Forces for unacceptably long periods.
Investigations have shown that the only area in the United Kingdom which is suitable for the purpose is in the Hebrides, with the rangehead on the island of South Uist and with facilities on neighbouring island for flying piloted and target aircraft.
All firings will be made out to sea under clear range procedures, and there should be no serious interference with fishing or shipping. There will be some encroachment on crofting land, but every effort will be made to limit the loss as much as possible, and the Government would be agreeable that any question of compensation to crofters should be referred to the Scottish Land Court.
A detailed survey will be necessary before the precise areas required for the range can be determined. There will be full opportunity, under the Services Land Requirements procedure, for the consideration of objections.
Substantial numbers of men will be employed on the construction of the range, many of whom it is hoped will be recruited locally. The range is also expected to provide permanent employment for a number of local residents.