§ Mr. Nelsonasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) further to the reply of the Minister of State, Department of the 273W Environment, of 26 January, to the hon. Member for Stretford (Mr. Churchill) on the future of ex-RAF Thorney Island, what future defence use is under consideration for this property; what considerations are involved; and when he anticipates a decision being made;
(2) further to his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment's reply of 26 January to the hon. Member for Stretford on the future of ex-RAF Thorney Island, what discussions the Property Services Agency has had with the Ministry of Defence over a future defence use for the property; when he anticipates a decision being made about such a use; and to what extent this limits the Property Services Agency's ability to sell Thorney Island.
§ Dr. GilbertWe are carrying out a study of certain Army requirements, including those of extra units which have been approved, in the light of the fact that certain barracks which were thought to be capable of modernisation may not be suitable for that purpose. The former RAF station at Thorney Island is included in the study which will take into account all relevant factors including suitability and costs. The study may not be completed until the second half of 1979. Meantime the Property Services Agency has been asked to suspend its disposal action.