Written question asked by Shona McIsaac (Labour) on Thursday, 20 January 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 28 January 2000. It was answered by Peter Kilfoyle (Labour) on Friday, 28 January 2000 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what process was used to determine the final purchaser of RAF Finningley.

Answer: Shona McIsaac: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what process was used to determine the final purchaser of RAF Finningley. [106950] Mr. Kilfoyle: After receipt of detailed proposals, discussions and negotiations were conducted with the two highest bidders. Their bids were broadly similar, and substantially in excess of the other bids, but further inquiries were needed to determine the timing, certainty and full value of their proposals. Given the potential use of the site for a major civil airport, advice was also sought from DETR and from the Government Office for Yorkshire and Humberside. As a result of this process and a final best bid stage, Peel Holdings plc was selected as the preferred purchaser. The site was sold to them in June 1999.

Secondary information