§ Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Air what has been the total expenditure to date on and in 292W connection with the Western isles guided missiles project since and including the first surveys of the site.
§ Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Air what progress has been made with the provision of good and adequate accommodation, general comfort and entertainment for the Service men in South Uist, Benbecula and St. Kilda in connection with the Western Isles guided missiles range; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. WardA domestic camp and married quarters are being built for the Army at Benbecula. We expect the work to be completed in the second half of next year. The renovation of domestic accommodation for the Army on St. Kilda was completed last August.
I understand from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War that cinema shows are held at least three times a week both at Benbecula and at St. Kilda, and that at Benbecula there is a squash court. A grant has been made from Army welfare funds for additional recreational amenities. I also understand that through the generosity of the Nuffield Trust a seagoing motorboat is being made available.
No Service men are stationed on South Uist.
§ Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Air how many civilian workers are directly employed full time at the Western Isles rocket range; how many of them are local men; what will be the biggest number the range is to employ and at what date; when the scheme will be completed; and how many civilians it will then employ full time.
Mr. WardThe contractors are employing 177 local men in a labour force of about 220. In addition 15 civilians from the Air Ministry Works Department are at present employed on the sites. The number will begin to fall about next March. Construction work should be finished in the second half of next year.
I understand that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War does not expect to employ civilians at the range 293W during the first year's operations but a small number of civilians may be given full-time employment there later.