§ 34. Mr. Johnasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether his Department will be involved in the preparation of schemes for the use of any defence land released by the Ministry of Defence as superfluous to requirements.
§ Mr. Graham PageSurplus defence land is offered for sale under standard procedures to other Departments, former owners and local authorities. If not disposed of by these means it is sold on the open market. The decision as to the future use of the land is for the new owner and is of course subject to planning control in the usual way. The Department of the Environment would normally be involved only as developer for other Departments or where normal planning procedures require a reference to my right hon. and learned Friend.