§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement describing the development currently taking place at RAF Bishopscourt.
§ Mr. LeeThe development currently taking place at RAF Bishopscourt is part of the improved United Kingdom air defence ground environment (IUKADGE) network development. Bishopscourt is one of a number of radar reporting posts in this network. The latest improvements are based on assessments of requirements up to the end of the century.
§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the purpose of the recent excavations and earth removals at RAF Bishopscourt.
§ Mr. LeeI refer the hon. Member to the other answers I am giving on this subject. The actual excavation and earth removals referred to form the foundation works to the main reporting post, transmitter and receiver buildings.
§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the purpose of the runway-type approach leading to a large excavation at RAF Bishopscourt.
§ Mr. LeeThe runway-type approach adjacent to the excavation work at Bishopscourt is one of the station's main runways and has been in existence since 1942. It has no connection with the current IUKADGE development.
§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from the community near Bishopscourt and their local representatives about the developments taking place at the Royal Air Force installations.
§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will permit a visit to RAF Bishopscourt, including the development site, by local elected representatives.
§ Mr. LeeThere is no objection in principle to such a visit although security considerations would limit its scope.
§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will provide Down district council with an aerial or satellite photograph of RAF Bishopscourt showing the recent development and excavations.