§ 17. Sir Teddy Taylor (Rochford and Southend, East)If he will make a further statement on the future of the old and new ranges at Shoeburyness. [109416]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Dr. Lewis Moonie)As my predecessor informed the House on 28 January, the whole of the old ranges and Horseshoe barracks, Shoeburyness, were sold, subject to contract, on 20 January 2000. As for the new ranges, the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency is 1236 now working with SERCO Ltd. to rationalise the estate and to introduce new business to co-exist with the continuing range activities, which may require the release of a small amount of land. DERA plans to brief the local community on that subject in early March and then jointly to agree a way forward.
§ Sir Teddy TaylorIs the Minister aware that members of the local community in Shoeburyness are a little disturbed because, although the site of the old ranges was sold in January, they have still not been told who bought it? Although we were given the strongest assurances from both DERA and SERCO that they would keep the local community advised about the new ranges, there have been no meetings so far. Will the hon. Gentleman take a personal interest in the issue; will he try to ensure that the local community is told what is happening; and, if need be, will he speak at a public meeting in Shoeburyness to tell the local community exactly what is happening with two delightful and very valuable sites?
§ Dr. MoonieI am sure that the hon. Gentleman is aware that we cannot make an announcement until the contracts are signed and everything is properly closed. I have the greatest sympathy for his constituents in the present situation. I shall do everything in my power to expedite the appropriate development of the site.
§ Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody (Crewe and Nantwich)Will my hon. Friend tell me how many contracts SERCO has in the Ministry of Defence?
§ Dr. MoonieA very large, positive integer.