HC Deb 10 June 1964 vol 696 cc434-5
28. Mr. Hilton

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when United States Air Force personnel will vacate the air base at Sculthorpe, Norfolk; and what is to be the future use of this site.

Mr. H. Fraser

The United States Air Force will finally vacate the station on 30th June, 1964, when it will be returned to the Royal Air Force. A possible Service requirement is still being considered.

Mr. Hilton

We have had similar replies to this on a number of occasions and have been told that an announcement will shortly be made about the further use of this important site. [HON. MEMBERS: "Question."] Wait for it and you will get the question.

Mr. Speaker

Order. This is Question Time, and not the time for making a statement. It is not the importance of the question that matters; it is the fact that it is a question.

Mr. Hilton

Is the Minister aware that this is a very valuable site, and that it employs hundreds of civilians who have no prospects of any alternative work in the area? Will he see that immediate consultations are held between the various Government Departments, to make sure that this site is put to the best possible use in order to provide alternative employment for the civilians who work there?

Mr. Fraser

Yes. Consultations are going on at the moment and, as I said, I hope to be able to give a reply to the House shortly.