§ 2. Mr. Gerald HowarthIf he will make a statement on progress in the sale of the Farnborough aerodrome. [20197]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. John Spellar)The disposal of Farnborough aerodrome to the Geneva-based TAG Finance is progressing well, and an agreement for a lease is expected to be signed at the end of this month.
TAG is required to complete the acquisition of the aerodrome in 2000, once it has secured the necessary planning consents and the Civil Aviation Authority licence.
§ Mr. HowarthI thank the Minister for that reply. I am delighted that progress is being made on the sale of the 4 airfield, which represents an immense opportunity for Farnborough and the local area. It will relieve some of the congestion at Heathrow, with executive jets being able to operate out of Farnborough. May I also thank the Minister and his Department for their support for the Farnborough Air Sciences Trust, which seeks to safeguard the tremendously historic buildings on the Farnborough site? Will he take FAST' s proposals firmly into account when he considers the disposal of the factory site? I should be most grateful if he would give me a timetable for that.
§ Mr. SpellarI thank the hon. Gentleman for his kind comments. We have worked closely with the Society of British Aerospace Companies and Rushmoor district council on the future of the site. A number of aspects will be taken into account in the planning considerations, and we shall work with the council to bring about the result that the hon. Gentleman wants, which is to ensure the overall aspects of the site and to achieve the best possible economic future for the area.