HC Deb 11 July 1995 vol 263 cc529-30W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what construction work has taken place as a consequence of his Department's decision to train with artillery system 90 and multiple launch rocket system guns in Northumberland national park at(a) Catterick, (b) the Otterburn training area and (c) other locations. [33357]

Mr. Soames

None.

Dr. Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what expenditure has been incurred by his Department on military installations and infrastructure as a consequence of his Department's decision to train with artillery system 90 and multiple launch rocket systems gun in Northumberland national park at(a) Catterick, (b) the Otterburn training area and (c) other locations. [33358]

Mr. Soames

None.

Dr. Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of(a) the method to be employed for transporting the artillery system 90 and multiple launch rocket system guns from their bases to the Otterburn training area and (b) the cost of any facilitating engineering work needed. [33359]

Mr. Soames

The movement implications have been addressed in the environmental impact assessment. The only practical means of moving artillery system 90 and multiple launch rocket system guns from their bases to the Otterburn training area is by use of military tank transporters or civilian low loaders. Vehicles can, however, travel on their own tracks for short journeys of less than 50 miles.

The cost of facilitating works cannot be calculated until our notice of proposed development has been considered by the Northumberland national park authority and, assuming planning consent is granted, any conditions applied to the approval have been properly costed.

Dr. Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has made a decision in principle to fire the artillery system 90 and multiple launch rocket system guns at Otterburn training area in Northumberland national park. [33363]

Mr. Soames

Yes, subject to planning clearance for the necessary infrastructure developments.