§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what military issues will be considered in the scope of the re-opened public inquiry into the Otterburn ranges in Northumberland. [65047]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThe issues to be discussed at the re-opened public inquiry into proposals for the Otterburn Training Area in Northumberland are at the Inspector's discretion.
The new issues identified are in the Government Office's letter to parties dated 17 December 1998. I am arranging for the hon. Member to receive a copy and for copies to be placed in the Library.
§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate(a) the duration of and (b) the cost to his Department of the re-opened public inquiry into the Otterburn military ranges in Northumberland. [65049]
§ Mr. RaynsfordI am unable to be precise about the duration of the re-opened inquiry, although, as the matters for discussion are restricted to new issues that have arisen since the closure of the original inquiry, an approximate estimate would be in the order of four to six weeks. Costs to my Department will involve only minor administrative sums: the larger portion of the costs being borne by the other parties.