HC Deb 07 June 1995 vol 261 cc194-5W
Mr. Fatchett

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what will be the estimated cost to his Department of undertaking(a) a structural survey of key buildings and breakwaters and (b) an environmental assessment of the Portland naval base on behalf of the purchaser, Portland Port Ltd.; when this work began; and if he will make a statement. [26277]

Mr. Soames

My Department has at present no intention of carrying out a structural survey of buildings and breakwaters at Portland naval base, nor do we intend to conduct an environmental assessment.

Mr. Fatchett

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what undertakings have been given to Portland Port Ltd. in respect of new roads to the Dorchester bypass, and thence north to the M5, the midlands and south Wales; what will be the estimated cost to the Government of fulfilling these undertakings; when such roads may be complete; and if he will make a statement. [26278]

Mr. Soames

My Department has given no undertaking to Portland Port Ltd. in respect of new roads to the Dorchester bypass, and thence north to the M5, the midlands and south Wales. The question of any costs falling to my Department does not therefore arise.

Mr. Fatchett

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 9 May,Official Report, column 404, if he will list the meetings between officials of his Department and prospective bidders for the purchase of the Portland naval base; if he will name the lobbying companies which made representations on behalf of the bidders; and if he will make a statement. [26279]

Mr. Soames

Meetings between my officials and prospective bidders for the Portland naval base were held on 27 May, 15 July and 15 December 1994; and 4 January, 12 January, 14 February, 21 February, 22 February and 7 April 1995. No representations were made by lobbying companies on behalf of the bidders.

Mr. Fatchett

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the Drivers Jonas report into the sale of Portland naval base. [26280]

Mr. Soames

The Drivers Jonas report on options for the reuse of the Portland naval base was commissioned in 1993 by Weymouth and Portland borough council. Requests for a copy of the report should therefore be made to the council.

Mr. Fatchett

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the work being carried out by his Department at Portland naval base prior to the handover to Portland Port Ltd.; what is the cost of these works; and if he will make a statement. [26513]

Mr. Soames

Work at Portland naval base is limited to the maintenance work required to meet my Department's obligations until the property is relinquished on 31 March next year. In addition, work will be carried out to clear ordnance from the site in accordance with the usual policy for property in disposal. It is not yet possible to assess the cost of this work.

Mr. Fatchett

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has to undertake the removal of a structure blocking the southern entrance to Portland naval base; if he will identify the nature and cause of that blockage; if he will estimate the cost of removing the structure; and if he will make a statement. [26514]

Mr. Soames

In 1914, the battleship HMS Hood was sunk as a blockship in the southern entrance to Portland harbour to provide protection against submarine and torpedo attack. The presence of the hulk, which is now totally submerged, markedly reduces the swell in the harbour which would otherwise be experienced during southerly winds. There are at present no plans to remove the hulk which does not restrict the use of, or access to, the harbour.