§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for Defence in relation to the proposed modernisation of the Fylingdales early warning system, what account has been taken of the environmental impact of the proposed development on the landscape in the North York Moors national park; and what alternative sites have been investigated.
§ Mr. FreemanSince we are proposing to modernise the existing ballistic missile early warning system at RAF Fylingdales, and not to construct an entirely new facility, alternative sites have not been considered. The modernised system will have a more compact, less visible profile than the present installation, but the environmental impact will be one of the issues to be discussed with the North Yorkshire moors national park committee in accordance with the normal planning procedures.