§ 12. Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Defence is he will make a statement on the future of the Shoeburyness establishment, and in particular on the disposal of its surplus land.
§ Mr. GoodhartOn the future of Shoeburyness, I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave my hon. Friend on Tuesday 17 March. As for disposal, we are at the moment engaged in negotiations with Southend borough council about part of the old ranges; and Potton island, may also become surplus in 1984.
§ Mr. TaylorIs the future of the proof and experimental establishment at Shoeburyness secure under the revised defence plans, and can my hon. Friend assure us that there will be no delay from the Ministry's point of view on those negotiations? Is it possible that the barge pier will be made available to local fishermen?
§ Mr. GoodhartThe future of the establishment is assured, as, even if suitable alternative sites were 157 available, it would be exceedingly costly to remove the equipment. I understand that Southend council wants to keep the barge pier closed and that it hopes to sign a lease for part of the old ranges in the near future.