HC Deb 12 July 1972 vol 840 c355W
51. Sir S. McAdden

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment for what purpose the Under-Secretary of State recently visited officially Foulness Island and Maplin Sands; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

I visited Maplin on 29th June primarily to inspect the airport site and to discuss the task of missile clearance. Among other things, I flew over the sands in order to examine possible sites for the runways and thereafter travelled over them in an amphibious vehicle. I also took the opportunity to examine various methods of clearing the missiles.

I shall be making a further visit shortly in company with members of the Progress Review Committee.