HC Deb 03 February 1993 vol 218 c181W
Mr. Temple-Morris

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 6 November 1992,Official Report, columns 536–537, if a decision has now been taken on the proposal to rationalise Royal Air Force ground training.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

My Department has consulted thoroughly with the trade unions on the proposal to concentrate training at RAF Cosford, RAF Halton and, subject to further review, RAF Locking. No issues have been raised which call into doubt the viability of the proposal and I have therefore decided that it should be implemented as I set out on 6 November.

Every effort will be made to find alternative employment for the staff affected by these organisational changes and action will be taken to assist those involved in relocation. The personal preferences of staff will be carefully and sympathetically considered and all possible measures will be taken to minimise civilian redundancies. Where redundancies do occur, all staff will be entitled to the appropriate periods of notice or pay in lieu and to compensation in accordance with the relevant pension scheme. The MOD redundancy and outplacement service and the relocation scheme will be available for staff wishing to make use of these services.