§ Mr. WilkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the units and formations of the 669W Royal Air Force currently in Northern Ireland with their locations; and what plans he has for changes to that list over the next three years. [39350]
§ Mr. SoamesThe following units of the Royal Air Force are currently based in Northern Ireland.
Units Location 3 Squadron RAF Regiment RAF Aldergrove 230 Squadron Puma RAF Aldergrove 27 Squadron Wessex RAF Aldergrove Queen's University Air Squadron Belfast City Airport No. 13 Air Experience Flight Belfast City Airport The Department has proposed the closure of Queen's university air squadron at the end of the 1995–96 academic year. This has been the subject of consultation with trade unions and other interested parties, and all representations will now be fully and carefully considered before any final decision is taken. Should Queen's UAS close, No. 13 Air Experience Flight, which shares accommodation with the UAS, would also close. It is, however, proposed to reactivate No. 664 Volunteer Gliding school to continue to provide flying experience for air cadets in Northern Ireland.