§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress on(a) decontamination and (b) disposal of the site of former RAF Chilmark. [36135]
§ Dr. MoonieThe explosive ordnance disposal exercise at RAF Chilmark is continuing. Approximately half of this 52 hectare (317.5 acre) site should be certified as clear by autumn 2002.
A considerable section of the site has already been sold on the open market. Defence Estates is currently in discussion with the representatives of a trust, which has been constituted with a view to buying an area of the site which is of high conservation and wildlife value. It is hoped that this sale will be concluded during 2002.