HC Deb 28 April 1983 vol 41 cc404-5W
Mr. Brocklebank-Fowler

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will consider the installation of an air defence radar system in Gibraltar.

Mr. Blaker

This is kept under review in conjunction with the appropriate NATO authorities.

Mr. Brocklebank-Fowler

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will review his Department's occupation of land in Gibraltar; and if he will make plans to release land which is not necessary for defence purposes, for development by the Government of Gibraltar.

Mr. Blaker

The existing arrangements covering defence occupation of land in Gibraltar require the Ministry of Defence to give up properties no longer needed for defence purposes. Defence landholdings are consequently kept under continual review. Possible changes to some aspects of these arrangements are under consideration by the Gibraltar dockyard. It is to be hoped that any changes that are agreed will facilitate the early transfer to the Gibraltar Government of sites which are surplus to defence needs and which may be used for development purposes.