§ 112 and 113. Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what plans he has for building a wall round the airfield at Aldabra to keep out the giant tortoises; and what cost estimate he has made;
(2) what plans he has for the construction of artificial water-holes for giant tortoises and other fauna on Aldabra Atoll; and what estimate of cost he has made.
§ Mr. HealeyI would ask my hon. Friend to await a statement on the Aldabra project which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister will be making this afternoon.
§ Sir T. Beamishasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will give an estimate of the time it would take to construct all the proposed facilities to provide a staging post on Aldabra Island;
(2) what further representations the Royal Society has made to him in support of the case for the total preservation of the Aldabra atoll for scientific studies; if he will summarise in the OFFICIAL REPORT the evidence put before him to this end; and if he is now satisfied that the construction of a staging post on the atoll is consistent with the preservation of the island's unique ecosystem; and if he will make a statement;
366W(3) what methods he is considering for removing the risk of bird-strike on Aldabra Island in the event of its being used as a military staging post; and whether these include the depletion or extermination of the large numbers of frigate birds which live and breed there;
(4) if, in view of the uncertainty regarding the proposal to construct a staging post on Aldabra Island, he will now publish a White Paper explaining the reasons for such a requirement, in order that impartial judgments can be formed before a Government decision is announced;
(5) when he expects to make an announcement about the possible construction of a staging post on Aldabra Island or an alternative site; and by what date defence requirements dictate that such a staging post should be operational;
(6) what estimate he has made of the time needed to eradicate the risk of bird-strike on Aldabra Island, taking into account that frigate birds, with a wingspan of some seven feet, soar to a height of 5,000 feet or more, and may not return to breed for three years or more.
§ Mr. HealeyI would ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman to await a statement on the Aldabra project which is to be made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister this afternoon.