To ask the Secretary of State for Defence

(1) what determination of damage or loss has been made by (a) UK and (b) German authorities in respect of the condition of property in UK military bases in Germany;

(2) what assessment has been made of any hazardous substance contamination of land in Germany by UK forces; and what estimate his Department has made of the cost of remedying any such contaminations;

(3) what restorative or balancing measures his Department has undertaken to avoid any environmental burden arising from the presence by UK military bases in Germany.

The requirement for resolution of any environmental issues relating to the estate vacated by the British Forces in Germany (BFG) is detailed in the Supplementary Agreement to the NATO Status of Forces Agreement and the Ministry of Defence is committed to adhering to this in consultation with the German authorities.

Negotiations are well under way with the German authorities for a final settlement of all financial claims arising from the release of accommodation. Previous settlements were conducted on either an annual or, more latterly, an ad hoc basis and have hitherto always amounted in a net payment to the UK.

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation, in conjunction with the Regulator and German authorities, conducts regular assessments of hazardous substance contamination on the BFG estate, and carries out such work as is necessary to remediate pollution on a day-to-day basis. Land quality assessments and risk assessments are available and shared with the German authorities when stations are closed.