Written question asked by Caroline Flint (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 December 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 11 December 2001. It was answered by Lord Moonie (Labour) on Tuesday, 11 December 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when Manchester Airport submitted an expression of interest in acquiring the RAF Finningley site for development as a civil passenger airport; what meetings with his Department were held; and if he will publish the documents relating to the expression of interest.

Answer: Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when Manchester Airport submitted an expression of interest in acquiring the RAF Finningley site for development as a civil passenger airport; what meetings with his Department were held; and if he will publish the documents relating to the expression of interest. [21436] Dr. Moonie: Expressions of interest from potential bidders for the former RAF Finningley were invited on 28 July 1996 in the Estates Gazette, as part of the first attempt to sell the site. Manchester Airport (consortium) was interviewed on 10 October 1996 along with a number of other parties. When the site was re-marketed in 1997, Manchester Airport did not apply. The release of documents relating to the expression of interest is a matter for Manchester Airport.

Secondary information