§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps are being take by his Department to implement the National Audit Office's recommendation in paragraph 3.16 of its report identifying and selling surplus property (HC 776, session 1997–98) regarding the timetable for completing the land quality assessments of major sites; and if he will make a statement. [53378]
§ Mr. SpellarAs the Report says, the Ministry of Defence has set in train a programme of Land Quality Assessments and intends to complete assessments of all major sites within 10 years. We are reviewing the scope for reducing the timetable and shall consider any recommendation the Public Accounts Committee might make on the matter following its investigation.