MALVERN-based QinetiQ was discussing the possibility of leasing part of its land for the controversial Throckmorton asylum centre to the Government in January, the Evening News has learnt.

The research and development company, which owns the former RAF airbase at Throckmorton, confirmed it had been in discussions with the Immigration Service about a leasing agreement which would allow the centre to go ahead.

But a spokeswoman for the company claimed the 750-bed centre would help QinetiQ "accelerate" its plans to develop the airfield, which include a science and technology park at the site.

She said the company - which employs 2,000 people in Worcestershire - would benefit from the asylum centre, as a road would have to be built into the airbase for the centre. This, she claimed, could be used to service QinetiQ's proposed science park on the former airbase.

"QinetiQ has its own plans to redevelop the site which includes a technology park. If the centre goes ahead, part of the agreement will be to build a road which will accelerate our plans to redevelop the site.

"Having the asylum centre would mean we'd get the road earlier. However, since being approached seven months ago, we have not been formally approached again."

Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff said he was "surprised and disappointed" at the move and questioned the logic of allowing the asylum centre to be built so close to an area earmarked for a science park.

"I don't believe budding entrepreneurs would want their businesses next to an asylum centre," he said. "I'd have thought the centre would jeopardise the success of a science park."

Malcolm Argyle, chairman of the pressure group PACT - Protest at the Asylum Centre at Throckmorton - said those living in area would be very disappointed if QinetiQ leased its land to the Home Office.

"We'd urge QinetiQ to think very carefully about the impacts this will have on the local community," he said.

"QinetiQ may get a free road, but everyone else will suffer greatly. People will be very disappointed if QinetiQ rents or sells its land to the Home Office, as they know it doesn't have to."