§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the sale price of the Lumsden Road estate, Portsmouth, to European Developments; and what was the net total value of the bid submitted by Swaything Housing Society and Portsmouth Housing Association taking into account the value of nominal rights given back to the Ministry of Defence.
§ Mr. HanleyThis information is commercial in confidence.
§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the reasons for his decision to dispose of the Lumsden Road site in Portsmouth to European Developments; and what precautions he has taken to ensure that the land is made safe for future use.
§ Mr. HanleyThe marketing of the Lumsden Road site involved the full disclosure of the site's history to all potential purchasers. The decision was taken to sell to European Developments because it submitted the highest compliant bid. It is now a matter for European Developments and Portsmouth city council to ensure that the site is suitable for the purpose for which it will be used.