HC Deb 27 November 2000 vol 357 c620
4. Ms Candy Atherton (Falmouth and Camborne)

What progress has been made by the land survey at RAF Portreath. [138574]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Dr. Lewis Moonie)

Earlier this year we engaged a specialist contractor, with significant experience in dealing with contaminated sites, to undertake further land quality assessment at RAF Portreath. This followed on from the phase 1 land quality assessment undertaken at the site by the RAF. The work is proceeding well, and sample results taken to date do not indicate any contamination by chemical weapons or their breakdown products. We have found small amounts of chemicals associated with general industrial activity.

Ms Atherton

I thank my hon. Friend for that answer. Will he confirm that the survey will include the mine shafts and dumps at RAF Portreath? Does he agree that it is outrageous that previous Governments failed to conduct safety surveys?

Dr. Moonie

I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for the work that she has undertaken on behalf of her constituents in pursuing this matter. This is the beginning and not the end of the investigations that we are undertaking at RAF Portreath. It is our intention carefully to examine the final results from this phase of the study when they are presented to us in the new year. We shall take further action as necessary.

Mr. John Bercow (Buckingham)

Is the hon. Gentleman anticipating compensation claims from employees who claim that their health has suffered in consequence?

Dr. Moonie

I have no record of any such claims.