HC Deb 03 May 1983 vol 42 cc34-5W
27. Sir John Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied that Gibraltar is adequately defended.

Mr. Blaker

Yes.

Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what plans there are for the transfer to the Gibraltar Government of Crown lands in Gibraltar held by his Department but which are no longer required for defence purposes; by what means; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Blaker

I refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for Norfolk, North-West (Mr. Brocklebank-Fowler) on 28 April—[Vol. 41, c.409]—which, but for a typing error in the third sentence, should have read: 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 Government at the moment along with the issue of commercialisation of 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.

I have nothing further to add.