HC Deb 26 March 2002 vol 382 cc828-9W
Mr. Leigh

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the total tonnage is that can be stored in the Hemswell Cliff Cold Stores; and what alternative storage facilities there are in the UK. [44625]

Mr. Morley

The refrigerated storage capacity of Hemswell Cliff Cold Store is 10,000 tonnes spread equally over two sheds. A Government owned cold storage facility at Locharbriggs near Dumfries, capable of holding 5,000 tonnes is also available to the Rural Payments Agency and further commercial storage can be acquired to supplement these facilities as necessary.

Mr. Leigh

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the annual cost is of providing the refrigerated storage at the Intervention Board facility at Hemswell Cliff. [44627]

Mr. Morley

Hemswell Cliff is one of two Government owned cold stores which are in the process of being sold. The store is currently in care and maintenance mode with average monthly costs of £2,400.

Annual running costs before decommissioning of the refrigeration plant would have been in the order of £260,000. If product was being stored there would also be receipt, handling and discharge fees payable which would vary according to commodity being stored.

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