§ Lord Marlesfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are the main functions of RAF Northolt; the number of aircraft movements in the most recent 12 month period for which figures are available; the total area in acres of the Ministry of Defence property at Northolt; and the annual cost of the establishment.
§ Lord GilbertThe main function of RAF Northolt is to provide the airhead for communications, and VIP and royal flying tasks, which are undertaken principally by aircraft of No. 32 (the royal) Squadron. The station is also host to a number of other units and is regularly used by other military and MoD charter flights and, on a repayment basis, by business aviation users. In the 12 months to the end of November 1997 there were 14,236 air movements at the station. The station covers some 490 acres. The total annual running costs for financial year 1997–98 are estimated at some £26 million.