HC Deb 28 June 1967 vol 749 cc93-4W
Mr. Anderson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will give an assurance that in negotiations relating to the future use of the site at Caerwent, Monmouthshire, now used by the Royal Naval Propellant Factory, he will take into account the need not to prejudice the ultimate conclusions of the Severnside study and the possible development of the site for industrial purposes;

(2) if, before concluding negotiations for the use of the Royal Naval Propellant Factory site at Caerwent, he will seek the views of the local planning authority and the Chepstow Rural District Council, regarding long-term industrial development prospects within South-East Monmouthshire;

(3) if, in any negotiations at present proceeding for the use by the United States Air Force of the site at present occupied by the Royal Naval Propellant Factory at Caerwent, he will give an assurance that the long-term potential of the site will be safeguarded for the development of productive industry;

(4) how many local civilian jobs he estimates will be created by the Royal Naval Propellant Factory site at Caerwent, Monmouthshire, being occupied by the United States Air Force; and whether he is satisfied that the creation of such employment will not adversely affect the more substantial long-term employment prospects that could be based on this site.

Mr. Mason

Possible continued use for military purposes of the site of the Royal Naval Propellant Factory at Caerwent is being studied. All relevant factors, including the impact of continued military use on plans for the development of the surrounding area and on employment will, of course, be taken into account before a decision is made, and I am consulting my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales on this and other similar features.

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