§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the present status of the Royal Aeronautical Establishment, Bedford, and the Royal Aeronautical Establishment, Cardington; how much land is occupied by his Department at each site; and what is the number of staff engaged including both Royal Air Force and industrial.
§ Mr. PattieThe Royal aircraft establishments at Bedford and Cardington are outstations of the Royal aircraft establishment at Farnborough and come under the direct control and management of the Director, RAE.
RAE Bedford covers an area of 2,190 acres and employs just over 1,200 staff, including about 750 industrial staff and 30 RAF personnel. The RAE occupies 140 acres at Cardington and employs about 40 civilian staff, nearly all of whom are in the industrial grades. About 14 RAF personnel are also employed on RAE work at Cardington.