§ Mr. DevlinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will make a statement setting out the precise reasons why RNSD Eaglescliffe is to close;
(2) when he will publish consultation papers on the future of RNSD Eaglescliffe;
(3) when he next intends to visit RNSD Eaglescliffe.
§ Mr. HanleyIt is estimated that the proposal to close RNSD Eaglescliffe would save my Department some £52 million over 10 years and £7 million per annum thereafter. Savings on this scale are made possible as a result of continuing reductions in the level of naval stocks coupled with more efficient operating arrangements. The closure of RNSD Eaglescliffe would be part of a long-standing process of rationalising the naval logistic support area through concentrating storage facilities closer to the waterfront and away from inland areas. The rationale for, and implications of, the proposal to close RNSD Eaglescliffe will be set out in a detailed consultative document which will be issued to all interested parties as soon as possible.
(All figures in £000) Year Eskmeals Shoeburyness ETC Foulness Pendine 1989–90 1,338.52 1,219.6 — 805.11 1990–91 1,008.98 720.9 13.6 661.92 1991–92 1,049.32 1,077.4 3.33 1,043.77 1992–93 694.77 432.0 66.3 651.51 1993–94 915.64 1,006.9 80.0 580.39 Note: The Proof and Experimental Establishments at Inchterf and Cold Meece, which closed in 1992 and 1993 respectively, are excluded from these figures. P and EE Lavington is included in the figures for P&EE Shoeburynes.
§ Mr. AingerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what were the capital costs incurred in facilitating the transfer of small arms and cannon work from Cold Meece to Pendine.
§ Mr. AitkenThe cost was £858,300.
§ Mr. AingerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what legally enforceable powers covering gunnery range safety currently exist at(a) Shoeburyness and (b) Pendine.
§ Mr. AitkenThe following statutory instruments have been made under the provisions of the Military Lands Acts 1892 to 1903:
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- (a) Shoeburyness
- Number 1189 of 1935
- Number 714 of 1936
- (b) Pendine
- Number 1627 of 1973
- Number 475 of 1981
Although neither my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence nor I have any current plans to visit RNSD Eaglescliffe, we will consider all representations made concerning our proposals as part of the consultation process, the period of which has been extended to three months from 14 July.
§ Mr. AingerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what instructions he has given the defence land agent to consult the work force at RNAD Trecwn about the suitability of bidders before disposing of the site.
§ Mr. HanleyIt is not our practice to do so.