§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence which organisations and individuals responded to his consultation on the future of Portland naval base; what was the consensus of the responses to the consultation; when he expects to make a final decision; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonResponses have been received from the Ministry of Defence industrial and non-industrial trade unions, the Portland Joint Trade Union Action Committee, Dorset county council, Weymouth and Portland borough council and Plymouth city council. My hon. Friends the Members for Dorset, South (Mr. Bruce) and for Dorset, West (Sir J. Spicer) have made valuable contributions to the consultation process. In addition there have been a number of letters from members of the public. These responses are currently being considered and I expect to make a decision shortly.