HL Deb 04 June 1996 vol 572 cc116-7WA
Lord Marlesford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What consideration they have given to the environmental implications of the sale of RAF Bentwaters site in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Earl Howe)

A detailed planning brief was drawn up and, following an Examination in Public, the draft was agreed with Suffolk Coastal District Council, the local planning authority. The brief identifies suitable uses for the property when it leaves government ownership and takes into account the designation of part of the area as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Lord Marlesford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the RAF Bentwaters site is under offer for sale to the Chris Parker Group Ltd. and whether they will consider any other offers that may be made to purchase the site.

Earl Howe

My department has exchanged contracts with the Chris Parker Group of Companies for the sale of the RAF Bentwaters site. Completion is due by the end of July 1996. No further offers can therefore be considered.

Lord Marlesford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are prepared to contemplate the sale of the RAF Bentwaters site on the basis of staged payments and, if so, whether they would require an independently secured bond to guarantee that all the payments would be met in the event of the subsequent insolvency of the purchaser.

Earl Howe

My department has exchanged contracts with the Chris Parker Group of Companies for the sale of RAF Bentwaters. Completion is due by the end of July 1996. The contract does not provide for stage payments.