§ 17. Mr. Leighasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of RAF Binbrook.
§ Mr. LeeAfter the phasing-out of Lightning air defence aircraft in 1987–88 RAF Binbrook will remain an RAF station, although its precise role has yet to be determined.
§ Mr. LeighWill my hon. Friend comment on speculation that the Tornado air defence variant will be based at RAF Leuchars and Coningsby and that the hangars at RAF Binbrook have not been hardened for that reason? Is he satisfied with the position whereby Binbrook closes as a fighter base, leaving this country with only six front-line squadrons defending it?
§ Mr. LeeIt is correct to say that the Tornado F2 will go to RAF Leuchars in due course. Binbrook will remain an RAF station, but we are examining all the options. I cannot at this stage say how active the station will be.