§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the Serious Fraud Office has contacted his office concerning the sale of Portland naval base; and if he will make a statement. [2694]
§ Mr. SoamesThe Serious Fraud Office contacted my Department on 19 October 1995. All complaints referred to the SFO are subject to a process known as vetting so that the SFO's decision about whether or not to accept the case is properly based on the facts available at the time of the decision. The complaint in this case is at that stage.
§ Dr. ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the compliance with the correct procedures in respect of the sale of Portland naval base to Portland Port Ltd. [2692]
§ Mr. SoamesI am completely satisfied that the correct procedures have been adopted in respect of the sale of Portland naval base following a review of the case by my senior officials and the National Audit Office.
§ Dr. ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when his Department signed a contract with Portland Port Ltd. concerning the Portland naval base. [2691]
§ Mr. SoamesA contract has not yet been signed with Portland Port Ltd. We are at an advanced stage in finalising the details of the sale contract, which has inevitably been subject to a very complex legal negotiation. When all outstanding issues are finally resolved contracts for sale will be exchanged.
§ Dr. ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what considerations apart from the bidding price his Department took into account when evaluating bids for the purchase of Portland naval base. [2693]
§ Mr. SoamesMany factors were taken into account in selecting a purchaser including the availability and source of funding; employment projections; conformity with local aspirations; credibility of the proposed use; short, medium and long-term proposals for use; environmental issues; planning and other necessary consents.