§ 10. 10. Mr. John WilkinsonWhat plans he has to change the status or role of RAF Northolt. [45231]
§ The Minister for the Armed ForcesThe future of RAF Northolt is being reviewed in consultation with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. This work is being undertaken against the background of the strategic defence review, the DETR's study of business aviation in the south-east and the policies relating to airports that will be set out in the forthcoming integrated transport White Paper. No decisions have yet been taken.
§ Mr. WilkinsonWould not any responsible Government wish to retain under their control the specialist air transport facilities provided by RAF Northolt that are crucial to Her Majesty's Government, the personnel of headquarters at High Wycombe, Northwood and Bentley Priory and diplomatic personnel in the United States and other embassies? Should not those facilities remain under Royal Air Force control? Would not any question of RAF Northolt being transferred to civil control and becoming a satellite of Heathrow not only be bitterly opposed, rightly, by the local population but militate against its primary role, which is specialist air transport for the military and Ministers?
§ Dr. ReidAny responsible Government would wish, first, to pay tribute to the continuing role and contribution of RAF Northolt and, secondly, to assure themselves and the House that any proposals that even considered changing the status of RAF Northolt would be subject to thorough consultation. As a Minister in a responsible Government, I am glad to be able to give the hon. Gentleman an assurance on both those points.
§ Mr. Stephen PoundMay I assure my hon. Friend that 1 am as one with the hon. Member for Ruislip-Northwood (Mr. Wilkinson) on this matter, if, sadly, on few others? My constituents are as one with his in viewing with horror the possibility of increased civilian use of RAF Northolt. The only ray of sunshine that pierces the dark clouds hanging over Northolt is the prospect that, if the list of putative bidders is as printed in the popular papers, whoever takes over will start by sacking all the pilots and returning peace to the skies over Northolt.
§ Dr. ReidI am sure that my hon. Friend and the hon. Member for Ruislip-Northwood (Mr. Wilkinson) speak representatively for their constituents. That will be a major factor in any consideration. As my hon. Friend referred to press reports, I should make it clear that my Department has received several unsolicited representations about RAF Northolt. Contrary to reports in the press, Stagecoach Aviation has not approached my Department, although an unsolicited commercial proposal was made by Glasgow Prestwick International in February last year before it was taken over by Stagecoach.