HC Deb 04 March 1994 vol 238 cc65-6W
Mr. Home Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what conditions of sale in the event of closure the land at 14MU RAF Carlisle is held by his Department.

Mr. Hanley

Following reports from local trade unions, I have agreed that the consultation period for our proposals to close 14MU RAF Carlisle be extended to 31 March 1994. If closure is confirmed and there is no alternative defence use for, or likely former owner interest in the site, it will be offered for sale on the open market with the most favourable planning permission achievable so as to maximise the return to the taxpayer. Arrangements are already in hand for the disposal of areas of the site declared surplus before the announcement on 15 December 1993,Official Report, columns 739–40, of possible closure.

Mr. Home Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current life expectancy of the recently refurbished buildings at RAF Carlisle.

Mr. Hanley

Thirty years.

Mr. Home Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much has been spent on refurbishment and upgrading of technical facilities over the past 10 years at(a) RAF Carlisle and (b) RAF Stafford.

Mr. Hanley

Because of changes in budgeting arrangements detailed financial records are not available for all elements of the programmes of refurbishment and upgrading of technical facilities undertaken over the past 10 years at RAF Stafford and Carlisle. Our estimate of expenditure is as follows:

  1. (a) £28,000,000 at RAF Carlisle.
  2. (b) £49,000,000 at RAF Stafford.