§ Ms OsborneTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to extend the use of HMS Gannet for anti-submarine warfare beyond April 2002. [149852]
§ Mr. SpellarBeyond April 2002, HMS Gannet will be used as a forward operating base for anti-submarine warfare activated as and when required, as well as a permanent base for search and rescue operations.
§ Ms OsborneTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress he has made in securing an alternative MOD use for the site of HMS Gannet when it ceases to operate on anti-submarine warfare function in 2002. [149853]
§ Mr. SpellarNo alternative military use has so far been identified by my Department. Naval Air Command is currently reviewing the options for the provision of single living accommodation (SLA) as part of the conversion of HMS Gannet to a forward operating base. One option could be to retain the SLA on the Greensite, but no decisions have yet been taken.
§ Ms OsborneTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will consider the availability of adjacent sites to HMS Gannet in his assessment of its alternative future use by his Department. [149854]
§ Mr. SpellarNo alternative military use for the Greensite at HMS Gannet has so far been identified. The availability of adjacent land has been taken into account, as have the very strict commercial aviation safety regulations which would constrain any development.