§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what considerations other than price will affect the sale of Rudloe Manor. [125392]
§ Dr. MoonieWhen selling surplus property the Ministry of Defence follows Government Accounting procedures seeking to achieve the full market value. This is usually best determined by offering the property for452W sale on the open market with a specific date for the submission of bids. In selecting a preferred purchaser for Rudloe Manor, my Department also paid regard to the proposed uses, the ability of bidders to finance the purchase and their timescales for completing the sale.
§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what account he will take of the potential for job creation in his decision on the purchaser of Rudloe Manor. [125393]
§ Dr. MoonieRudloe Manor has been offered for sale with reference to the policy for the site, identified in the North Wiltshire District Council Local Plan and the modifications to the Draft Local Plan which the Council has agreed. It is for the Local Planning Authority properly to consider the issue of job creation, as part of any future planning application for the site.
§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many tenders there were for the purchase of Rudloe Manor; and how many of them were within the original specification. [125394]
§ Dr. MoonieSixteen bids were received, all of which complied with the original specification.
§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will reach a conclusion about the sale of Rudloe Manor; and if he will make a statement on the sale. [125391]
§ Dr. MoonieA purchaser has now been identified for Rudloe Manor and the terms of sale have been agreed, subject to contract. Considerable interest was shown in the property and all unsuccessful bidders have now been notified.