Concerns about the impact of changes at the Ministry of Defence base at Shoebury have been raised in the Commons.
At question time, Sir Teddy Taylor (C, Rochford and Southend E) said recent changes included privatisation of the range facilities, the removal of MoD police from Foulness and proposed housebuilding on part of the site.
He added: "Would you consider making time available in your busy diary to meet the military and civil defence staff there and also representatives of the local community in what I think you will appreciate is one of the most unique and significant MoD sites in the country?"
New defence minister, Ivor Caplin, said the base was included in the long-term partnering agreement with QinetiQ - formerly the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency.
He added: "As for a meeting, I cannot undertake to do it in the immediate future because of the pressures that are on my diary."
Published Tuesday, June 24, 2003
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