HC Deb 06 July 1990 vol 175 cc759-60W
Dr. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many representations have been received by his Department on the proposed over-the-horizon radar station near St. David's.

Mr. Alan Clark

In addition to questions tabled in this House and in another place. I have received representations from many right hon. and hon. Members and from members of the public.

Dr. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list all those companies which were invited to tender for the contract to carry out any environmental impact assessment of his Department's proposals to install an over-the-horizon radar system at St. David's and Cricklade.

Mr. Alan Clark

In view of the particular circumstances of our proposal to install an over-the-horizon radar transmitter at St. David's airfield and the need to complete the environmental impact assessment by late summer, only one company—W. S. Atkins of Epsom Surrey—was invited to tender for the contract to carry out the environmental impact assessment. At Blakehill, the proposed over-the-horizon radar receiver site, we are not yet in a position to proceed with the environmental impact assessment. This will, however, be by competitive tender.

Mr. Nicholas Bennett

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received concerning the effect of the proposed over-the-horizon radar on birds and animal life in the St. David's area of Pembrokeshire; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alan Clark

I have received no representations concerning the effect of the proposed over-the-horizon radar on birds and animal life in the St. David's area of Pembrokeshire. But my Department has had initial discussions with the Pembrokeshire Coast national park authority about this and the matter will be fully addressed in the environmental impact assessment.