Mr. O'NeillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what discussions have taken place with local authorities regarding the possible sale of land or property at the royal aircraft establishment at Farnborough;
(2) what plans exist to dispose of land or property at the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleWe announced in September 1990 our preliminary view that research and experimental flying, currently undertaken at Bedford, Boscombe Down and Farnborough, should be collocated at Boscombe Down. Since then, we have been in close consultation with a range of interested parties, including the local authorities. We are currently considering the results of these consultations and hope to make an announcement shortly. We have also announced recently a number of separate studies into a range of sites—including Farnborough—which go to make up the newly formed Defence Research Agency. These studies are at an early stage and decisions on them will not be taken for some time. A substantial presence will be retained on the Farnborough site.