HC Deb 29 January 1958 vol 581 c349
12. Mr. C. Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many Royal Air Force stations were closed in 1957; and how many will be closed in 1958.

Mr. Ward

Thirty-six stations of all types closed during 1957. I cannot at present give a comprehensive figure for 1958, but the number will certainly be smaller.

Mr. Hughes

Will the Secretary of State make sure that ample notice is given to the local authorities in the area of the intention to close these stations, and also, in view of civilian redundancies, give notice to the Ministry of Labour?

Mr. Ward

Yes, certainly. We recognise the need to give the people affected as much notice as we possibly can, and we are doing so. It would be wrong to create uncertainty by announcing plans before they were absolutely firm, but as soon as they are firm, we shall, of course, announce them.