§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how the Department acquired rights over land and foreshore not owned by, or leased to the 1147W Department in Scotland in the period of (a) 1980 to 1990, (b) 1990 to 2000 and (c) 2000 to the present; and if he will make a statement. [173440]
§ Mr. CaplinThe Ministry of Defence has consistently utilised the expertise of professional Estates Advisors who work within Defence Estates to undertake negotiations with land owners to secure rights over land and foreshore where there has been an operational military requirement to do so. These rights are formalised in legal agreements usually known as "Minutes of Agreement" or similar.