HC Deb 18 December 1968 vol 775 cc1362-3
15. Mr. Allason

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a further statement on his detailed proposals for the future of Bovingdon Royal Air Force Station.

Mr. Reynolds

As already announced, R.A.F., Bovingdon, will close early in 1969. It is not yet certain that there is no further defence requirement for the airfield and therefore it is not possible to make a detailed statement about the future of Bovingdon at this stage. If the airfield itself is disposed of, certain peripheral sites containing married quarters may be retained.

Mr. Allason

Will there be satisfactory arrangements to protect Service property when the station closes, and will the Minister bear in mind the offer of the local authority to safeguard at least some of the Service installations from vandalism?

Mr. Reynolds

The hon. Gentleman in fact wrote to me about this matter a few weeks ago. If I remember rightly, I replied saying that we were prepared to discuss any proposal with the parish council. I have since heard nothing.