§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what Environmental assessment his Department carries out of RAF stations or bases before they are sold or disposed of; when such assessments started; which officials within his Department carry out such assessments; if such assessments measure nuclear contamination; and to whom the results of such assessments are made available. [31266]
§ Mr. SoamesMy Department is introducing a procedure for land quality assessment, the outcome of which is a land quality statement, which is to be applied to all sites earmarked for disposal. A prioritised programme is also being drawn up for other sites on the defence estate where such work is considered appropriate. Although the procedure has only recently been formally introduced, investigation of land quality using the present methodology commenced in 1993.
Within the RAF, the majority of such assessments are undertaken by independent specialist consultants which are managed by the defence estate organisation. Specialist in-house resources such as the RAF's explosive ordnance disposal team and the defence radiological protection service are employed where a civilian contractor might not have the relevant expertise. Reports of their findings are made available to the specialist consultant appointed to carry out the land quality assessment work.
The land quality assessment procedure is intended to cover all categories of contaminants, and where appropriate will include recommendations for and implementation of remedial action. The resulting land quality statement is made available, amongst others, to prospective purchasers. My Department complies fully with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations, 1992.