PRESS RELEASE16 JANUARY 2002

THE FUTURE OF BOSCOMBE DOWN

Minister promises visit

Today Salisbury MP Robert Key met Defence Minister Lewis Moonie to discuss the future of Boscombe Down military airfield near Salisbury.

Robert Key stressed the need for a decision on the future of the airfield following the collapse of the bid for the Tanker Aircraft Fleet. He said indecision was now the most harmful consequence of that loss. Lewis Moonie promised Mr Key that he will shortly visit Boscombe Down to see for himself the extent of the base and to meet the workforce and managers.

Robert Key said most people want Boscombe Down to remain a military airfield, but the worst option would be a run-down of military activity with no alternative commercial employment.

The Minister told Mr Key a review of all the defence estate has been undertaken and the results will be published shortly.

The site is owned by the Ministry of Defence and the facilities are operated by QinetiQ which is a 100% owned Government company. The Government will sell off the company - but not for the foreseeable future, given international market conditions.

Mr Key said, "My impression is that the Ministry of Defence will wish to retain most of the site if not all and that they will also continue to employ a substantial number of people here. I also think the Ministry of Defence will be looking for commercial partnerships which could provide significant jobs in the aeronautical engineering and technology industries, as well as releasing some land for residential development. We will now have to wait and see what the review concludes, but I am delighted the Minister has promised he will visit Boscombe Down."

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