§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the rolling programme of improvements relating to environmental remedial action in connection with Menwith Hill, referred to in the answer of 10 June 1996,Official Report, column 46, has now been completed; and what recent environmental assessment of Menwith Hill Station has been carried out. [21416]
§ Mr. SpellarThe programme of improvements at RAF Menwith Hill reflecting the recommendations contained in previous environmental surveys is due to be completed in the first half of 1998. The most recent environmental assessment was carried out in 1996.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Health and Safety Executive last visited RAF Menwith Hill; and what was the outcome of that visit. [21418]
§ Mr. SpellarThe Health and Safety Executive last visited the site in June 1996 following allegations that equipment at the site caused cancer. It concurred with North Yorkshire Health Authority's findings that the incidence of cancer within the area was no higher than the national average.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if his Department has full access to US environmental compliance status surveys in respect of RAF Menwith Hill; and when the last such survey was carried out. [21419]
§ Mr. SpellarMoD personnel are fully involved in the environmental audit processes at all USVF facilities in the United Kingdom and are routinely made aware of the contents of Environmental Compliance Status Surveys. The last such survey at RAF Menwith Hill was conducted in 1994.