§ Mr. Leighasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is yet able to make a statement on the future of RAF Binbrook.
§ Mr. Ian StewartThe future of RAF Binbrook has been under review for some time as a result of plans to withdraw the Lightning air defence force from service in September 1988.
A number of options for the future of the station after that date have been evaluated including both operational flying tasks and ground training functions. However, after a thorough and careful examination of defence needs and possible uses for the station, I regret to say that no alternative use has been identified and RAF Binbrook will therefore be closed at the end of 1988. We plan to retain the airfield there as a relief landing ground for RAF Scampton and as a war reserve airfield to provide flexibility for dispersed operations. In the light of this decision, other Government Departments who might have a possible interest in the facilities will be consulted.
There will be no requirement for permanent staff at RAF Binbrook, either civilian or service, after the closure. Civilian staff, other than those who will reach normal retirement age or leave voluntarily, will he offered redundancy terms. Full consultation with the trades union side will be pursued in the usual way. Service personnel will be redeployed elsewhere, including a small detachment to RAF Scampton who will commute to RAF Binbrook.