HL Deb 22 June 1971 vol 320 cc861-2WA
THE EARL OF MANSFIELD

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will state how many, and which, possible sites in the North-East of Scotland were surveyed by the Ministry of Defence before it was decided to establish the suggested Tracking Station at the side of Loch Strathbeg; whether it is realised that the proposed 900 feet mast—far higher than originally stated—with its host of supporting wires, struts and stays, will constitute the greatest possible menace to wildfowl frequenting the loch, hitherto acknowledged to be one of the most important wildfowl refuges in Western Europe; and whether, therefore, they are prepared to instruct the Ministry to make immediate and exhaustive investigation, with a view to choosing a site the effects of which would be less catastrophic to wildlife.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE (LORD CARRINGTON)

Before the Crimond site was chosen for the new Royal Naval Wireless Station, seven other sites in Scotland were surveyed. These were: Montrose, Angus Balado Bridge, Kinross Milltown, Morayshire; Tain, Ross and Cromarty; Killimster, Caithness; Arbroath, Angus; Inverallochy, Aberdeenshire. All seven proved unsuitable for our requirements.

Details of a revised layout for the aerials have recently been forwarded to the Nature Conservancy whose comments are awaited. There are fewer masts than originally proposed and no connecting wires between the masts. It is hoped that this design will be potentially less hazardous to the birds.

A further survey has recently been put in hand but it has not yet been possible to identify an alternative site which meets the necessary technical and operational requirements.

THE EARL OF MANSFIELD

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether there is any truth in the disquieting rumour that, in view of the final decision to have the third Lon- on Airport at Shoeburyness, the Ministry of Defence are considering moving at least a part of their artillery and bombing ranges, from Shoeburyness to the Aberdeenshire coast adjacent to Loch Strathbeg; whether it is realised that the disturbance caused by this would be as great a menace to the future of that Loch as a wildfowl sanctuary as would the Tracking Station; and whether they will therefore seek forthwith some less undesirable position for this type of range.

LORD CARRINGTON

We are examining the possibility of transferring some of the work of the Proof and Experimental Establishment, Shoeburyness, to West Freugh, in Wigtownshire. This would entail relocation of some of the tasks currently done at West Freugh, and possible alternative sites for these are, therefore, being examined, and there would, of course, be full consultation with all interests concerned. The likely effect on the wildfowl sanctuary at Loch Strathbeg would be fully taken into account if a site in that area seemed otherwise suitable.