§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Transport precisely how much land is occupied by his Department outside RAF Greenham common.
§ Mrs. ChalkerWhen the A339 Basingstoke-Newbury trunk road was diverted round RAF Greenham common the Department purchased an area of 66,698 square metres of common land from Newbury corporation which included some 1,800 square metres for visibility splays and access road to the airfield.
§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Transport for what purpose his Department occupies a plot of land, currently used as an encampment, outside RAF Greenham common; for how long his Department has been in possession; and on what basis the land is held.
§ Mrs. ChalkerFor the provision of a suitable access from the A339 Basingstoke-Newbury trunk road into the main entrance to RAF Greenham common. Possession174W was taken at various dates between June 1951 and October 1952. The freehold interest in this highway land continues to be held as part of the trunk road verge, and for access road, landscaping and visibility purposes.
§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Transport why the plot of land outside RAF Greenham common occupied by his Department was covered with rocks and gravel within the last 18 months.
§ Mrs. ChalkerFollowing eviction of seven caravans from the highway land in September 1982 several loads of stones were deposited on both sides of the main entrance to prevent reoccupation by vehicles. Soil was later added as a first step towards eventual planting of the mounds.