SIR Michael Spicer was due to question government ministers about the future of Qinetic - the military satellite tracking station at Defford.

The current contract is to be terminated on April 30 next year, according to a company spokesman.

Following a visit to the site last week, Sir Michael said: "I was very concerned by what I was told.

"The uncertainty that is left is unacceptable. It is unclear whether Qinetic Defford will remain a strategic asset to be activated in times of emergency.

"I understand this site has capabilities, which do not exist elsewhere, for testing satellites. It is also a third back-up if other tracking stations fail."

Mr Spicer was due to question ministers about the site in the House of Commons yesterday (Wednesday).

Qinetic spokesman Ben White said the company was still awaiting confirmation about the site's future.

"We know that the current contract, the one big piece of work that has kept Defford going, will be terminated," he added. "We have looked at other uses for the site but we think we have exhausted all the options.

"If it does close we will make every effort to find alternative work within Qinetic for the seven permanent members of staff there."