asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether any discussions have taken place with civilian ports authorities to consider the option of contracting for existing civilian berth spaces rather than deepening the facilities at Marchwood military port.

Other United Kingdom ports, both naval and civil, have been considered over the years as possible substitutes for Marchwood; but all have fallen unacceptably short of our requirements in one or more ways.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether any contract has been placed to deepen and improve facilities at the Marchwood military port near Southampton.

Tenders have been invited in respect of certain work, including dredging the waterfront, but no contract has yet been let.