§ 31. Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what new proposals he has to release land presently used by the services for alternative environmental purposes. [2072]
§ Mr. SpellarMy Department continually reviews the size of the Defence estate to ensure that it is no larger than necessary to meet the essential requirements of the Armed Forces. Our policy is to dispose of surplus property in a timely manner which takes into account the Government's wider employment and environmental objectives, local planning and social considerations, and the need to protect the taxpayers' interests.