To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 22 March 2007, Official Report, column 1035W, on land: sales, in what circumstances a land quality assessment is not carried out; and how the value of the land is calculated in those circumstances. (134516)

It is normal for the MOD to undertake Land Quality Assessments (LQA) on all sites being considered for disposal.

In line with industry best practice, the MOD LQA process adopts a structured phased approach and is tailored to individual site conditions. It is not necessary to carry out every phase for all sites. For example past use may be such that potential risks identified at a LQA preliminary phase may be sufficiently quantified not to warrant proceeding to the next phase. The value of the land will ultimately be determined by the market.