§ 16. Mr. Donald Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on future plans for North Atlantic Treaty Organisation facilities at Stornoway airport in the light of refusal of planning permission by the Western Isles islands council.
§ Mr. SpeedWe are considering the objections by the council to our notice of proposed development at Stornoway airport. A decision on our next step will be taken as soon as possible.
§ Mr. StewartIs the Minister aware that there is almost total opposition in the community to the provision of this base, strengthened by the bad faith of the Ministry of Defence in expanding its plans on at least three occasions? Is he aware that we have a right to protect our way of life and that we do not wish to be the sitting ducks for the first strike in the event of war?
§ Mr. SpeedThe latter point will necessarily be so. I am, however, aware of the deep objections of the Western Isles islands council and the right hon. Gentleman's constituents. That is why we are giving careful consideration to the problems before deciding what to do next.