HC Deb 22 February 1996 vol 272 cc212-3W
Mr. Austin-Walker

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from(a) hon. Members, (b) local authorities and (c) trade unions concerning the proposed collocation of ATSA at Chertsey; and if he will make a statement. [16650]

Mr. Soames

In addition to those from a number of right hon. and hon. Members, my Department has received representations from the following local authorities and trade unions:

  • London borough of Greenwich
  • Broxtowe borough council
  • Malvern Hills district council
  • Melton borough council
  • Hereford and Worcester county council
  • Council of Civil Service Unions.

Mr. Austin-Walker

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the overall cost(a) to his Department and (b) to the exchequer in the financial appraisal of the options concerning the future location of ATSA. [16652]

Mr. Soames

Various options are being considered for the future location of ATSA, including a "do minimum" option collocation at a number of different single sites and a joint site option. The building works and other relevant costs were incorporated into an investment appraisal of all the options considered over a projected 25-year period. This appraisal listed the options in order of cost, with the Malvern-Chertsey twin site the most expensive, and the Chertsey single site the least expensive over the 25-year period. We are now considering the results of the consultative process which ended on 19 February.

Mr. Austin-Walker

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what appraisal he has made of the possible location of ATSA on(a) the Royal Arsenal east site and (b) the Royal Arsenal west site; and if he will make a statement. [16651]

Mr. Soames

The possibility of ATSA collocation in Woolwich was considered at an early stage in the study. The costs of providing the agency's office, technical, messing, and married quarters accommodation, however, were assessed to be higher than that for collocation at either Chertsey or Malvern. With this in mind, as well as the additional heritage and planning implications associated with many of the MOD's sites in Woolwich, and the fact that collocation there would not best satisfy the agency's business needs, it was decided not to subject a Woolwich collocation option to detailed scrutiny.

Mr. Austin-Walker

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with English Partnerships regarding the future location of the ATSA based in Woolwich. [16653]

Mr. Soames

In view of the decision not to subject a Woolwich collocation option to detailed scrutiny, we did not specifically discuss with English Partnerships, the potential owners of the Royal Arsenal west site, the opportunities for ATSA's collocation in Woolwich. Nevertheless, our discussions with them and the London borough of Greenwich as to the future of the Royal Arsenal west site continue, with the aim of achieving a comprehensive solution for the transfer of the site into civilian use so as to maximise local employment prospects.