HC Deb 15 October 2001 vol 372 cc951-2W
Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he intends to dispose of the former RAF Chilmark site; and if he will make a statement. [7375]

Dr. Moonie

Much of RAF Chilmark including outlying areas has now been sold. Part of the remaining area is of high conservation and wildlife value, and a trust consisting of the local authorities and interest groups has been constituted with a view to buying and managing the site. The Ministry of Defence is in discussion with representatives of the trust, and it is hoped that terms for a sale to take place during 2002 can be agreed shortly.

The remainder of the site, which the trust does not intend to purchase, still requires clearance of explosive ordnance residues. A decision on the disposal of this final part will be made once the extent of residual contamination has been determined.

Back to
Forward to