§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the level of expenditure by RAF Finningley on supplies and services from the local area.
§ Mr. SoamesThe information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the(a) total and (b) mean annual salary cost of service personnel located at RAF Finningley.
§ Mr. SoamesMy noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence will write to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what developments, improvements, equipment upgrades or other physical works have been undertaken at RAF Finningley in the past five years; and what has been the cost of each of these works projects.
§ Mr. SoamesDetails of works expenditure at RAF Finningley for financial years 1990–91 to 1994–95 are as follows:
£ Property Management (including maintenance and minor works) 12,808,000 Officer Married Quarter refurbishment 5,200,000 New Air Navigation School 4,660,000 Airman Married Quarter refurbishment 4,600,000 Barrack Block refurbishment 1,242,000 Supply Hanger 772,000 New Motor Transport Facility 745,000 100 Squadron Accommodation 580,000 Station Heating upgrade 274,000 Total 30,881,000 These figures include estimated expenditure of £2,423,000 for the current financial year.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much of the existing facilities at RAF Finningley could be used for civilian aviation purposes.
§ Mr. SoamesIf the proposed closure of RAF Finningley goes ahead, and the site is disposed of, the runway, taxiway, hangarage, parking and handling areas could, subject to planning approval, be used for civilian aviation purposes.
Fixtures such as radar and air traffic control equipment would be removed by the RAF prior to disposal. If the RAF continued to use Finningley as at present, and capacity for civil use of the airfield was identified, only the runway and taxiway would be available for use by civil aircraft on a regular basis.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what improvement works are required at other bases to which it is proposed that existing RAF Finningley 747W activities will transfer in order that the facilities at RAF Finningley are matched; at which RAF stations the works are required; and what is the estimated cost of these improvement works.
§ Mr. SoamesThe detail requested will be covered in a consultative document concerning the proposed closure of RAF Finningley. That document will fully explain the rationale behind the proposal, including financial considerations, and will be issued shortly.