THE EARL OF MANSFIELDasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are now in a position to disclose the localities and extent of the ground occupied by the Defence Services, which it is now proposed should be given up; and whether, in all cases, except those where the land must be offered to the original owners, they will consult the Nature Conservancy, and other bodies similarly concerned with the preservation of the countryside, before selling such land for agricultural or industrial development.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE (LORD CARRINGTON)I am initiating a review of coastal and country sites, and an announcement will be made as soon as possible. Current practice is that when land occupied by the Defence Services is given up, before it is otherwise disposed of consideration is given to the requirements of other Government Departments or non-Departmental public authorities, and to the interests of former owners in cases where the land is agricultural and was acquired compulsorily or under the threat of compulsion.
House adjourned at twenty-seven minutes past seven o'clock.