§ Mr. Cyril Smithasked the Minister of State for Defence if, in view of the fact that camps at Gaydon, Greenham Common, Hemswell, Faldingworth and West Mailing will soon be no longer required for the resettlement of Ugandan Asians, he will consider making the camps available for use by the public to provide cheap and organised holidays for children from deprived homes.
§ Mr. BlakerThe accommodation allocated to the Ugandan Asians was intended for short-term occupation only, and was either in course of disposal by the Property Services Agency, under review by the Defence Lands Committee or held in reserve for defence use. Disposals were postponed to enable the222W Ugandan Asian emergency situation to be dealt with but will be resumed when the Asians leave.
Details are as follows:
RAF Gaydon
Current studies envisage a long-term RAF requirement for this base
RAF Greenham Common
This base is used by the United States Air Force which has stated that it requires it permanently as a standby operating base.
RAF Faldingworth
This is in course of disposal by the Property Services Agency.
RAF Hemswell
This Camp was included in the Defence Lands Committee's review, the report on which is expected soon.
RAF West Mailing
Part of this base is being taken over by the Home Office for use as a young offenders' establishment. The airfield itself is to be sold to the Kent County Council.
It would not be possible to use those bases for which there is a continuing requirement by the Royal Air Force or United States Air Force for the purpose suggested. With the exception of RAF Greenham Common, the use of the other surplus Ministry of Defence property listed is a matter for the Property Services Agency of the Department of the Environment.