§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the land owned by Defence Estates South West at Pilning Range will be subject to an open market bidding process when it is sold; and if he will make a statement. [138967]
§ Mr. CaplinUnder the terms of the Joint Declaration of Intent between Ministry of Defence and English Nature the MOD will give advance warning to English Nature of any intended disposal of land wholly or partially notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). English Nature may then advise MOD on ways to secure wildlife opportunities and to nominate a suitable purchaser. This procedure has operated in the case of Pilning Range, and English Nature have nominated the Avon Wildlife Trust as a suitable purchaser. The balance of the site not purchased by the Wildlife Trust will be offered by open and public competition.