HC Deb 22 May 2002 vol 386 c354 7.13 pm
Mr. James Gray (North Wiltshire)

I have the honour to present a petition on behalf of 11,657 of my constituents. [Interruption.]

Mr. Deputy Speaker (Sir Alan Haselhurst)

Order. Will those hon. Members who are not staying please leave quickly and quietly? The hon. Gentleman will then have a better opportunity to exhibit his honour on this matter.

Mr. Gray

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I have the honour to present a petition on behalf of 11,657 of my constituents who are very concerned about the possibility that the base at RAF Lyneham, the home of the Hercules aircraft, may have to close as a result of current Government studies. If that were to happen, not only would it cost my constituency £75 million in local income and 750 local jobs, but it would mean that all British Air Force, Army and Navy transport fleets would be based in one place. That would be at Brize Norton rather than Lyneham.

The petition states: The Petition of the Residents of Lyneham, Wootton Bassett, Caine, Chippenham, Malmesbury and of the other towns and villages of North Wiltshire. Declares that we are proud of the contribution which we make to the defence of the Realm by being home for 50 years to the Royal Air Force at Lyneham; that we support the activities of the Hercules fleet in every way; and that the closure of RAF Lyneham would have a devastating effect on the local economy and jobs. The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Secretary of Sate for Defence to take steps to ensure that the A400M transport plane is based at RAF Lyneham; and that even if it is not, Lyneham continues to serve as the base for the C130J Hercules. And the Petitioners remain, etc. To lie upon the Table.