§ 14 and 32. Mr. Farrasked the Minister of State for Defence (1) if it is his intention to sell by public auction that part of Royal Air Force, Bruntingthorpe, which has been designated by the planning authority for light industrial use;
§ (2) what understanding has been reached with Chrysler (UK) Limited over the disposal of that part of Royal Air Force, Bruntingthorpe, which has been designated by the planning authority for light industrial use.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Air Force (Lord Lambton)As I recently explained in a letter to my hon. Friend, we have agreed to sell most of the airfield land at Bruntingthorpe to Chrysler (UK) Limited, subject to its securing the necessary planning consent for the particular use that it has in mind. Some smaller parts of the airfield have been offered back to former owners.
If a sale to Chrysler is not carried out, we should consider alternatives. As far as I am aware, no part of Bruntingthorpe has been designated by the planning authority for light industrial use.
§ Mr. FarrI am obliged for that reply, but I am most disappointed. Is it not incumbent upon the Minister to have a public auction whereby this land could be seen to be sold at arm's length in the interest of the State to the highest bidder? Will my hon. Friend look at it again?
§ Lord LambtonNegotiations with Chrysler have been going on for a long time. The talks, began in 1968, and the negotiations began in 1970. During all this time, there was no other interest shown in the airfield. We consider that it is in the national interest that Chrysler should take over this field.