§ Dr. LadymanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his plans for the disposal of RAF Manston. [54967]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonI am pleased to be able to announce that following a marketing campaign and open competition conducted by my Department, the Wiggins Group plc has been selected as the preferred bidder for the airfield site at RAF Manston and exchange of contracts is expected shortly. The Wiggins Group's plans for the airfield include expanding civil aviation operations and substantial site development which will encompass airport related and general commercial uses together with hotel and leisure development. The company also intends to retain Manston's Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum as a permanent reminder of the historic role of RAF Manston. The Wiggins Group's plans for the airfield are in line with the aspirations of local authorities' own planning objectives for the area. In this respect, maintaining a viable commercial airfield at Manston is considered key to the economic regeneration of Thanet. The Wiggins Group's proposals are good news for the people and business community of East Kent. The proposed development of Manston has the potential to generate increased employment opportunities and to bring long term benefits to the local economy as a whole.
My Department will continue to offer whatever practical support it can to the Wiggins Group to enable a smooth and uninterrupted transfer from military to civilian airfield operations to meet the RAF's planned withdrawal from Manston on 31 March 1999.
§ Mr. GaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will announce his preferred plans for the disposal of RAF Manston to the private sector as a civilian airfield; and if he will make a statement. [53002]
§ Mr. Doug Henderson[holding answer 28 July 1998]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave today to my hon. Friend the Member for Thanet, South (Dr. Ladyman).