§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what consultations have taken place between him and the United States Navy and over what period of time concerning the need for housing accommodation for naval personnel in the London area; what consideration he has given to making available land at West Ruislip Air Base, Ickenham, for this purpose; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what is the present use of West Ruislip Air Base, Ickenham; what is the total area of the base; and what consideration he has given to its future use by the Armed Services.
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§ Dr. GilbertThe Ministry of Defence land at West Ruislip covers a total area of just under 59 acres. This land has been occupied by the United States Air Force and United States Navy since the 1939–45 War.
The United States Navy has a continuing requirement for 19 acres on which it has a small depot, school and playing fields.
Until approximately two years ago the buildings on the remaining 40 acres of the site were used for storage purposes, but they are in a poor state of repair and currently unused. It is not envisaged that the land will be required by the United Kingdom Armed Services.
The question of using Ministry of Defence land at West Ruislip for the provision of housing for the United States Navy was first raised on 6th June 1975 by the Commander 3rd USAFE who has the main responsibility for lands matters on behalf of the United States Forces in the United Kingdom. Discussions are still in progress. It is contemplated that some 20 acres may be used for this purpose.