§ Mr. Simon ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) who will take responsibility for pollution at DERA sites following DERA's privatisation; [144983]
(2) who will take responsibility for marine pollution caused by DERA activities following the privatisation of DERA. [144990]
§ Dr. MoonieThe Ministry of Defence, with advice from specialist external consultants, is addressing the issues of liability and future responsibility in relation to 45W all aspects of pollution. This work is on schedule to ensure that decisions are made on all pollution issues before the new company is vested.
The final decisions on the allocation of liabilities for any existing contamination will take into account the need to ensure that the arrangements will meet all relevant legislative requirements, as well as provide value for money to the taxpayer. Those elements of DERA which move into the private sector will be subject to the same legal obligations as any other private sector company.