§ Mr. DevlinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what area of storage facilities at MOD Portsmouth remains unused; and if he will make a statement as to its future use. [30039]
§ Mr. SoamesThe storage facilities of the royal naval stores depot at Portsmouth comprise of some 123,000 cubic metres. Of this, an estimated 51,000 cubic metres is currently unused, while the various transfers and refurbishments involved in the "Front Line First" rationalisations are taking place. When this process is completed in 1997, all the depot's storage capacity, except that in the heritage area, will comprise of modern efficient facilities which will be fully utilised. Details of the unused area of storage facilities in the whole of MOD Portsmouth are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.