§ 26. Mr. Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for Defence when he will announce the result of his consultations 408 with the local planning authority about the disposal of the site of the Royal Ordnance Factory, Swynnerton.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Army (Mr. Peter Kirk)I have asked the county council for an early answer and I will announce the result of our consultations as soon as I am able to do so.
I understand that the county council's planning sub-committee has discussed the future of the former Royal Ordnance factory site with the Stone Rural District Council on 6th April, and that it now awaits the formal views of the rural district council.
§ Mr. SwinglerMay I ask the hon.. Gentleman whether he is aware that all those acquainted with the problem remain disgusted with the long delay—it is now nearly seven years since the factory was closed—in dealing with it? Is the hon.. Gentleman also aware that hope springs eternal in Staffordshire, especially as a result of the great Labour victory there last week? As he now has a better planning authority with which to deal, we hope that he will be able to make a statement at an early date.
§ Mr. KirkHope springs eternal in the Ministry of Defence as well, and I think that we are making some progress.