§ Sue DoughtyTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what discussions he has had with colleagues in the Ministry of Defence on the release of MOD-owned land in South East England for housing development; and if he will make a statement. [105749]
§ Mr. McNultyMy right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister has not had discussions with colleagues in the Ministry of Defence about the release of land in the South East himself. Officials of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister have, however, had discussions involving Ministry of Defence, the regional agencies and English Partnerships over broad issues relating to Ministry of Defence land in the South East.
On a national level, my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister has given English Partnerships a new strategic role for surplus public sector land across Government. They are now drawing up a register of surplus public sector land. Working with the RDAs, they will help ensure that wider Government objectives, such as housing and regional economic strategies, are factored into future site disposals.