§ Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he has submitted plans for independent sewage treatment works at Portland or expressed any view on current proposals.
§ Mr. DuffyThe long-term redevelopment plan for the naval base at Portland includes the provision of a sewage treatment works near the Mere oil fuel depot. A formal approach to the local authority concerning this project will be made in due course under normal planning procedures.
The Ministry of Defence has also expressed an interest in the possibility of making use of a Home Department scheme for sewage treatment at the Verne Prison and Portland Borstal. No formal commitment has been entered into, but Home Department plans will allow for part of the naval system to be linked in if required.
As a separate issue the Ministry of Defence has registered a provisional objection to a local authority plan to develop a sewage disposal system by means of a longer pipeline out to sea on the grounds that the proposed siting of 366W The outfall is such that it is likely to attract birds to an area where they may constitute a danger to helicopters operating from HMS "Ospery", Portland.