§ 28. Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of his consideration of alternative future uses for the facilities of the Royal Naval Air Station, Arbroath.
Dr. OwenStudies on the possible future use of Arbroath are not yet complete but I hope to be able to make a statement before long.
§ Mr. Bruce-GardyneThese delays are becoming abusive. It is now less than nine months before the Royal Navy is due to leave. It is not the case that the Royal Marine Commandos are anxious to go to this station? It is widely believed in the area that that is so. If it is so, may we have an assurance that the Ministry will do nothing to prevent their doing so?
Dr. OwenThe right hon. Gentleman should give credit for the considerable and serious work which is being put into this matter. The Fleet Air Arm will leave H.M.S. Condor on 31st March, 1971. The question of the use of the station by the Royal Marines is one of the options we are considerating. We a re fully aware of the concern felt in Arbroath but the most important thing is to get the right solution.