§ Mr. FatchettTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a further statement on the possible sale of ABRO Old Dalby, Leicestershire. [22775]
§ Mr. FreemanAs announced on 31 January,Official Report, column 556, we are proceeding with the withdrawal of MOD activity away from the workshop as my Department is no longer able to make effective use of the modern high technology facilities at the site for their existing purpose. We are considering possible alternative defence uses for the site, but in the interim every effort will be made to encourage the private sector to put forward innovative proposals for alternative uses. My Department is working closely with the local authorities on this. Marketing consultants have been appointed and we will shortly be mounting an expressions of interest marketing campaign to determine what demand there might be for commercial uses for the site.