§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 26 October,Official Report, column 508, where his Department's waste disposal sites are to be located; what consultations his Department has had with local authorities about these sites; what progress has been made in constructing a purpose-built ammunition disposal facility; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonLand-based disposal of redundant munitions, explosive waste and residues is currently carried out by the MOD at the central ammunition depots at Kineton and Longtown. Other sites include the Otterburn, Sennybridge and Salisbury Plain 543W training areas. Disposals are also carried out at established MOD sites that have been in use for many years and operate within specified explosives limits which take account of strict safety and environmental considerations and regulations. There are no plans to open new MOD demolition sites. Warwickshire county council and Stratford upon Avon district council are, however. being consulted on plans to construct a purpose-built tri-service disposal facility at the central ammunition depot at Kineton. The MOD is also considering extending private sector involvement in the disposal of redundant munitions, but no decisions have been taken.