To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what total value of (a) land and (b) facilities is surplus to his Department’s foreseeable purposes in Northern Ireland; and what plans he has to dispose of such assets. (176656)

The Ministry of Defence keeps its estate, including that in Northern Ireland, under constant review to meet present and planned future requirements. Land and property that is no longer required is disposed of as quickly as possible.

It is the Department’s normal policy to dispose of such surplus assets at market value in accordance with the guidance set out in “Managing Public Money”.

Sites are disposed of by means of a competitive process in order to ensure best value for defence. Therefore, it would not be appropriate to release expected receipts as it might impact on future negotiations with potential purchasers.

A list of all sites currently in disposal is available in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the total value of (a) land and (b) facilities gifted, donated or loaned to local community initiatives by his Department was in each region of the UK in each of the last 10 years. (176657)

The gifting of land and facilities over £100,000 (£250,000 since 1 April 2005) requires the approval of HM Treasury and Parliament. Details of gifts below that level are not held centrally. Since 1997 the following value of gifts of land and facilities, in support of local community initiatives, have been reported in the departmental accounts following approval by Parliament:

The MOD does not loan facilities for local community initiatives except in so far as these constitute welfare facilities for the armed forces. Any land and facilities that are surplus to defence requirements are disposed of in accordance with “Managing Public Money” issued by HM Treasury.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what total value of his Department’s (a) land and (b) buildings was sold in each region of the UK in each of the last 10 years. (176658)

This Department does not keep a separate record of the value raised from the sale of land and buildings in each region of the UK and such a breakdown could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, the total accrued disposal receipts for each year since 1998-99 (the earliest year available) were as follows:

These figures are taken from the Defence Estates annual reports and accounts, copies of which are available in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what mechanism exists for liaison between his Department and the Northern Ireland Office when considering disposal of departmental (a) land and (b) buildings in Northern Ireland. (176659)

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is required to obtain market value when disposing of surplus assets. In Northern Ireland all surplus MOD assets are advised to the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFM/DFM) at the earliest opportunity. OFM/DFM circulates details to Northern Ireland Government Departments.

We have also committed to adhere to the “clearing house” process used by Northern Ireland Government Departments under which details of surplus MOD assets are circulated to Northern Ireland Government Departments and agencies. This process is managed by the Central Advisory Unit (CAU) of Land and Property Services. Northern Ireland Government Departments and agencies may register interest through the CAU who notifies MOD accordingly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what account is taken of community cohesion when considering the disposal of departmental (a) land and (b) buildings in Northern Ireland. (176660)

The Ministry of Defence is required to obtain market value when disposing of surplus assets, and follows procedures laid down in “Managing Public Money’ and particular processes applicable to Northern Ireland. The Department works closely with the Northern Ireland Office when disposing of surplus assets to allow other Northern Ireland Government Departments and agencies to express an interest. We also work closely with the local authorities and other key stakeholders when considering its disposal strategy and the most appropriate alternative use, taking into account the requirements of the local community. This will often include an assessment of development and regeneration opportunities through the preparation of a planning brief or outline planning application which can be taken forward by prospective purchasers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will consider gifting his Department's land and facilities to local communities to promote inter-community cohesion initiatives. (176812)

Land and facilities that are surplus to defence requirements are disposed of in accordance with HM Treasury's "Managing Public Money" guidance. Any gifting with a value in excess of £250,000 requires both Treasury and parliamentary approval.