HC Deb 12 February 1998 vol 306 cc299-300W
Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will meet representatives of the local community prior to any decisions being announced on the future of RNAD Broughton Moor, Cumbria. [29068]

Mr. Spellar

I have already written to my hon. Friend agreeing to meet Local Authority representatives with him.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the(a) individuals and (b) organisations who have expressed an interest in developing the RNAD site at Broughton Moor, Cumbria. [29066]

Mr. Spellar

Twenty expressions of interest in purchasing all or part of the site have been received since August 1991. Of this total, twelve, comprising one individual and eleven organisations, expressed an interest in developing the site. We have received three other expressions, of which two individuals and one organisation were interested in developing, but not purchasing, the site. I am not releasing the names of the companies or firms concerned under exemption 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when he intends to announce his decisions on the future of RNAD Broughton Moor, Cumbria; [29067]

(2) what surveys are being undertaken on the alternative disposal uses of Broughton Moor RNAD. [29069]

Mr. Spellar

A professional firm of Chartered Surveyors is currently advising the Defence Estate Organisation on potential alternative uses for the site. In addition, consideration is currently being given to what entitlement, if any, former owners might have under the Crichel Down Rules. When the former owner question has been resolved, it is intended to run a campaign inviting expressions of interest in the site.