§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Ministry of Defence notified the Dartmoor National Park Authority of plans to erect new military lookout huts on Dartmoor National Park. [31182]
§ Dr. MoonieNo new lookout huts are proposed at present. Two military structures were replaced on existing bases in September and December 2001. The 501W replacements were taken in accordance with past guidance and practice, and the Dartmoor National Park Authority has confirmed that there has been no procedural failure.
The replacement of existing look out huts around the military training area on Dartmoor has taken place three times since 1994 using the 18/84 Planning Consultation Procedure. Programmed replacements are discussed with the appropriate planning authority as much as two years in advance of requirements, before submission of formal applications under this procedure. Information consultation also takes place through the Dartmoor Steering Group and its subsidiary working party.
§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the annual outlay of the Ministry of Defence for use of Duchy land on Dartmoor for military training was in the last 12 months. [31183]
§ Dr. MoonieThe annual outlay of the Ministry of Defence for the use of the Duchy land on Dartmoor for military training is made up of a number of items, including liabilities under the Duchy licence and payments to other landowners. These are deemed commercial in confidence and I am therefore withholding this information in accordance with Exemption 13 of Part II of the Government Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.
Other outlay of some £50,000 to £60,000 per year on general repairs and conservation cannot be apportioned between Duchy, MOD freehold and other owners land.