§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are his proposals for the future of RAF Finningley; and what is the proposed timetable for carrying out these plans. [4560]
§ Mr. SoamesRAF Finningley is to be sold. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has agreed to a request from the Home Secretary to use part of the site as a prison, and this has resulted in a slight delay to the original timetable. The expressions of interest campaign has, however, been completed, and my Department will shortly be inviting shortlisted candidates to submit formal bids. We hope to be in a position to commence negotiations with a preferred bidder in early 1997.