HC Deb 26 March 1969 vol 780 cc1603-4
12. Mr. Allason

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in finding an alternative to the Shoeburyness firing range.

The Minister of Defence for Equipment (Mr. John Morris)

The subject is under active examination at the request of the Roskill Commission but no conclusions have yet been reached.

Mr. Allason

A year ago the House was told that no siutable alternative site could be found. Can the Minister tell us what progress has been made towards new methods which will obviate the necessity to go out on the dried out sands at low tide to recover shots made at high tide?

Mr. Morris

I am not sure to which answer the hon. Gentleman refers, but we hope to submit to the Roskill Commission by mid-June an estimate of the cost and time scale of re-establishing the Shoeburyness facilities at any alternative location which may emerge, and this will take into account any alternative methods of carrying out the work which may prove to be feasible.

Sir A. V. Harvey

When the Minister says that this matter is under active consideration, does he mean that he is taking into account the possibility of the third London Airport being based at Foulness?

Mr. Morris

All these are matters under consideration. We hope to submit our report to the Roskill Commission by mid-June.