HL Deb 25 June 1997 vol 580 c169WA
Earl Howe

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence on 2 June 1997 (HC Deb., WA 12), on the disposal of surplus Ministry of Defence property, whether they propose to maintain unchanged the Treasury guidelines adhered to by the previous Government, which were designed to ensure that such disposals safeguarded, above all, the interests of the taxpayer generally.

Lord Gilbert

It remains our policy to secure the best price which can reasonably be obtained for surplus property. Treasury guidance recognises, however, that this approach needs to be in accord with the local planning framework, and that there may be circumstances—for example, with historic buildings—where it will be reasonable to consider wider issues. The Government's aim is to work with local authorities and others to ensure that protecting the interests of the taxpayer does not conflict with meeting our wider employment and environmental objectives, or local planning and social considerations.