HC Deb 25 January 1977 vol 924 c512W
22. Mr. Rifkind

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the future of live firing by the Army on the Pentland Hills.

Mr. Robert C. Brown

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer to his Question of 3rd November 1976.—[Vol. 919, c. 137.]—We have since formally notified the local planning authority, the Midlothian District Council, of our intention to build the new ranges at Castlelaw. We shall still consider an alternative site outside the Pentlands if a suitable one, which can be obtained readily, is proposed. It is not yet known whether work would have to be deferred following recent cuts in defence expenditure.

Forward to