§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many bases which are(a) operational, (b) closed and (c) leased to the United States in (i) the United Kingdom and (ii) British overseas territories are contaminated with pollutants; and what action has been taken to remediate and restore contaminated areas. [156401]
§ Dr. MoonieThe information requested is not held centrally. However, it is Ministry of Defence policy to undertake decontamination of contaminated land where there is a significant risk to health and safety or to the environment, or where land is earmarked for disposal. On sites earmarked for disposal, remediation is generally confined to the removal of ordnance and other defence-specific contaminants where a civilian contractor might not have the relevant experience. Where appropriate, provision is made within the sale agreement for the purchaser of surplus defence land to remediate it to a standard fit for the proposed new use.