HC Deb 15 July 1994 vol 246 cc818-9W
Mr. Ainger

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what considerations his Department has given to the environmental impact of siting an ammunition demilitarisation and disposal facility at the proof and experimental establishment, Shoeburyness.

Mr. Aitken

The facility has received accreditation by Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution. The local authority was also consulted and supplied with all relevant information including transport movements, noise data and meteorological analysis.

Mr. Ainger

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what studies his Department has done of the cost in terms of(a) infrastructure and (b) recruitment at transferring the NATO small arms regional test centre from proof and experimental establishment, Pendine.

Mr. Aitken

The European regional test centre uses facilities which are required for national purposes. There would be no separately identifiable costs were it to transfer with other small arms work. A decision on the location of the ERTC is for the NATO authorities.

Mr. Ainger

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the total revenue and operating cost of proof and experimental establishment, Pendine, in the financial year 1993–94.

Mr. Aitken

Gross operating costs at proof and experimental establishment, Pendine in financial year 1993–94 were £7.157 million. Receipts over the same period totalled £2.259 million.