§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans there are to(a) increase the number of training areas and (b) sell training areas. [41315]
§ Dr. MoonieThere are no plans to increase the total number of training areas, although, where appropriate, purchases may be made to augment existing sites if suitable land comes on to the market. Equally, the Department will dispose of land for which it no longer has a use.
As a general policy the size of the defence estate is kept under constant review. The Ministry of Defence is currently undertaking a study to identify its core sites. This study includes the training areas.
§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many military training areas there are in(a) Scotland, (b) Wales, (c) England and (d) Northern Ireland. [41314]
§ Dr. MoonieExcluding areas that are ranges only, the numbers of military training areas in the UK are as follows:
- (a) Scotland—18
- (b) Wales—9
- (c) England—95
- (d) Northern Ireland—2.
The terms of the land holdings comprise a mixture of freehold, leasehold and training rights licences.
The number of areas which are ranges only are:
- (a) Scotland—9
- (b) Wales—7
- (c) England—22
- (d) Northern Ireland—2.