HC Deb 25 March 1964 vol 692 c136W
Miss Quennell

asked the Secretary of State for War why the land used by the Army in the Hogmere enclosure to the West of A.325 is required by them.

Mr. Ramsden

The School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering is responsible, among other things, for training its personnel in tank driving, which is carried out at Hogmoor enclosure adjacent to the school's barracks. This area is the only ground near to Bordon which meets this long term requirement. It is important to keep tanks off public roads.

Miss Quennell

asked the Secretary of State for War to what extent the land to the east of the A.325 and north of the road Greatham-Liphook is used by the Army; and why this area cannot be released for civilian purposes.

Mr. Ramsden

This area comprises a large complex of ranges for the firing of all personal infantry weapons and is also used as a general training area. Units and personnel trained on this land come from the Regular and Reserve Armies as well as the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. This is the only range area available for the Gordon and Long-moor Garrisons and is used by other Service units in the vicinity. The land is used most days of every week throughout the year. In view of the intensive and continuous use and the long-term military requirement, it is impossible to release this land for civilian purposes.