HC Deb 04 December 1980 vol 995 cc259-60W
Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what other defence purposes he will be considering in connection with the future use of the 75 acre site it Woolwich Arsenal currently occupied by the Royal Armament Research and Development Establishment.

Mr. Hayhoe

There is at present no future defence requirement for this laud but as our requirements change continually a new defence need may arise by the rime the site is available.

Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to make a final decision about the future use of the 75 acre site at Woolwich Arsenal now occupied by the Royal Armament Research and Development Establishment; and if he will consult the London borough of Greenwich before any irrevocable decisions are taken.

Mr. Hayhoe

A decision about the future use of the site will be made after it has been vacated by the Royal Armament Research and Development Establishment. If a new defence requirement which constitutes a change of use in planning terms arises, the London borough of Greenwich will be consulted in accordance with the usual planning procedures for Government Departments.

If the land is surplus to defence requirements it will be passed to the Property Services Agency for disposal in accordance with standard procedures.

Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many civilian staff are currently employed in the Royal Armament Research and Development Establishment at Woolwich Arsenal.

Mr. Hayhoe

Some 230 staff are employed in those departments of the Royal Armament Research and Development Establishment currently located at Woolwich.

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