HC Deb 24 February 1997 vol 291 cc112-3W
Mr. Foulkes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the locations, acreage, and types of training allowed under each training licence for ground forces training within 25 miles of Stranraer. [16811]

Mr. Soames

Within 25 miles of Stranraer, military ground forces training takes place at the Galloway training area and Castle Kennedy airfield. Only a very small percentage of the 67,617 ha of the Galloway training area lies within 25 miles of Stranraer and since 1 January 1987 use has been regulated by a licence granted by the Forestry Commission. The area is used mainly for low level tactical infantry training, orienteering, medical training, map reading, adventure training and very occasional parachute jumps.

Castle Kennedy, which extends to 370 ha, is regularised under an ongoing licence from Stair estate and is used for low level tactical infantry training, first aid, bivouacking, signals and driver training. In addition to these specific training licences, military units can apply to use other Stair estate, Forestry Commission or private land on a one off basis by separate individual agreement with the landlord concerned.