§ 15. Mr. Simon CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has about the future use of USAF Fairford.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonThe temporary deployment of United States B52 aircraft to RAF Fairford in support of Operation Desert Storm has now ended. The station remains available to the United States air force as a standby facility. In the short term, United States tanker and transport aircraft may continue to use RAF Fairford in support of the withdrawal of United States forces from the Gulf region.
§ Mr. CoombsMy hon. Friend will be well aware of the excellent contribution made by USAF Fairford to the allied effort in the Gulf. He may also be aware that this has generated considerable uncertainty in the vicinity of the base. Will he undertake to discuss with our allies in the United States the future of the base so as to be able to make a clear statement of intent for the longer-term future?
§ Mr. HamiltonWe are in discussions with the United States air force about this, but current plans are that it should continue as a standby base and be used for exercises. I do not think that it will go beyond that.