§ Mr. Nick Harvey (North Devon)I have the honour to present a petition from the people of north Devon concerning the future of RAF Chivenor, a much-loved part of the local community. The petition has been signed by 34,601 people, which represents more than half of the voting public in that scattered, rural population. The 288 Government have invited public responses to the proposal from today and I believe that this petition will represent a strong response.
The petition reads:
Wherefore your petitioners pray that your honourable House will recognise that RAF Chivenor is a highly operationally effective unit, having had millions of pounds spent on upgrading the facilities; that the favourable weather conditions and low air traffic in the surrounding area facilitate maximum flying hours; that over many years an excellent relationship has been built up with the local community; that RAF Chivenor provides essential air-sea rescue services; and that RAF Chivenor is essential to the local economy, and will therefore urge the Secretary of State for Defence in his study of training facilities to retain it as an operational flying unit.And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, etc.
§ To lie upon the Table.