Following the Secretary of State for Defence’s statement on the Defence Estate, James Cleverly asks him about the future of MOD Wethersfield and seeks assurances for the future of high-tech security businesses, air cadet flying and the headquarters and training functions of the Ministry of Defence police.
James Cleverly (Braintree) (Con)
The proposed development at and disposal of MOD Wethersfield to the Homes and Communities Agency puts at risk the future of high-tech security businesses, air cadet flying and the headquarters and training functions of the Ministry of Defence police. I thank Ministers for making themselves available to discuss the disposal with me during the past few months. Whatever the future of the site, may I ask that the high-tech security businesses, air cadet gliding and Ministry of Defence police functions, which should not constrain other activities on the site, are prioritised in whatever negotiations take place with its future owners?
Sir Michael Fallon
I am very happy to agree to that. I think this site had already been announced for disposal some time ago. I hope that those discussions will continue as we move the police, in particular, further west. I note what my hon. Friend says about the importance of the elements on the site, and about making sure that we maximise its potential.