§ Shona McIsaacTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if each expression of interest in the purchase of RAF Finningley was followed up. [106946]
§ Mr. KilfoyleYes. Of the 11 expressions of interest following the 1996 marketing exercise, 10 of the parties were interviewed by our agents and the other decided to 381W withdraw. Of the 15 new expressions of interest following the 1997 exercise, five of these withdrew, and our agents conducted interviews with all the others.
§ Shona McIsaacTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence by what methods expressions of interest in the purchase of RAF Finningley were sought. [106944]
§ Mr. KilfoyleOur selling agents, Drivers Jonas of London, conducted an advertising campaign in 1996 and 1997 seeking expressions of interest through advertisements in the "Estates Gazette", a sale board at the site and contacting potential developers and other interested parties listed on their commercial database. A four-page colour brochure was also produced and sent to all inquirers. A detailed package of information was sent to those who requested it.
§ Shona McIsaacTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many expressions of interest have been received in connection with the purchase of RAF Finningley. [106943]
§ Mr. KilfoyleFollowing the initial advertising campaign in 1996, 11 firm expressions of interest were received. The sale process was delayed to allow the Home Office to consider whether the site would be suitable for use as a prison. A subsequent advertising campaign in 1997 produced 23 firm expressions of interest (including eight reaffirmations from the 1996 campaign).
§ Shona McIsaacTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what process was used to determine the final purchaser of RAF Finningley. [106950]
§ Mr. KilfoyleAfter receipt of detailed proposals, discussions and negotiations were conducted with the two highest bidders. Their bids were broadly similar, and substantially in excess of the other bids, but further inquiries were needed to determine the timing, certainty and full value of their proposals. Given the potential use of the site for a major civil airport, advice was also sought from DETR and from the Government Office for Yorkshire and Humberside. As a result of this process and a final best bid stage, Peel Holdings plc was selected as the preferred purchaser. The site was sold to them in June 1999.
§ Shona McIsaacTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what method was used to evaluate expressions of interest in the purchase of RAF Finningley. [106945]
§ Mr. KilfoyleAt interview all parties were evaluated on the basis of experience of developing similar sites, realism of development proposals including time scale, method of funding and a general assessment of their experience and ability. This resulted in a shortlist of six parties who were invited to provide detailed bids.