RAF Upavon (Hansard, 30 October 1992)

§ Mr. Archie Hamilton

RAF Upavon in Wiltshire is at present the headquarters of No. 1 group RAF, a formation which controls the ground attack, support helicopter, air transport and air-to-air refuelling forces of the RAF. No. 1 group is part of Strike Command, the headquarters of which is at RAF High Wycombe.

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Following a reorganisation in Strike Command, some staff are being transferred from Upavon to High Wycombe. I also propose, subject to the usual consultations with the trades unions, that the headquarters of No. 1 group should be transferred from Upavon to RAF Benson in Oxfordshire. Some 120 service posts would be transferred out of Upavon, and some 169 service and 80 civilian posts would be removed, as a result of these moves, which would save more than £45 million at current prices over the 25-year cost-appraisal period.

My Department has been looking at possible defence uses for RAF Upavon after the withdrawal of the RAF. I further propose therefore that the bulk of the Army's inspector general doctrine and training directorate will be collocated on a single site. RAF Upavon has been identified as the most cost-effective option and 150 military and 100 civilian posts will relocate from London, Camberley, Beaconsfield, Wilton and elsewhere. Other, minor units will also relocate to Upavon in due course. It is too early to say what the detailed implications will be for the civilian staff currently at RAF Upavon, but some will be employed by the Army.

Full consultation on these proposals will now take place with the trades unions concerned in accordance with agreed procedures.