HC Deb 03 June 1985 vol 80 cc61-2W
Mr. Maclean

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what consultations with local people take place before he acquires land for military training purposes.

Mr. Lee

The Ministry of Defence follows the procedure laid down in the Department of the Environment's circular 18/84, a copy of which is in the Library.

Mr. Maclean

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list by name, location, type of use and acreage, all Army dry training areas in Great Britain;

(2) what is the acreage and locality of all land acquired and disposed of for Army dry training areas for each of the last 10 years.

Mr. Lee

This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Maclean

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy for the present and future uses of land for dry training purposes.

Mr. Lee

There is a continuing and increasing need to use land for dry training purposes in order to undertake military training for which there is no requirement to fire live ammunition.

Mr. Maclean

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the name, locality and acreage of land currently used by his Department for dry training which forms part of an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Mr. Lee

This information could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Maclean

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the number of occasions in the last 20 years when land formerly used for dry training underwent a change of use and was used for live firing.

Mr. Lee

Records are not held in a form which would allow this question to be answered.

Mr. Maclean

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy for the minimum size of ground suitable for any dry training areas.

Mr. Lee

There is no minimum size: it depends on the location and the particular training use made of it.