§ Lord Marshasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether in principle decisions on the possible resiting of gliders from RAF Bicester to RAF Upper Rissington have yet been taken; if so, when they were taken; and, if not, what is the estimated date that they will be taken. [HL1719]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Bach)A decision on where to relocate the gliding activity from RAF Bicester has not yet been taken. The study to inform the recommendation on a permanent location is still continuing; RAF Little Rissington is one of a number of sites under consideration. No recommendations can be made until the study is concluded. The evaluation of all the proposals is taking longer than expected but should be complete early in the new year.
§ Lord Marshasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are the key factors under consideration in relation to the possible resiting of gliders to RAF Upper Rissington from RAF Bicester. [HL1720]
§ Lord BachThe study to inform the recommendations on a permanent location for the Joint Service Adventurous Training (Gliding) is still continuing; RAF Little Rissington is one of a number of sites being assessed.
There are a range of factors under consideration in relation to the possible resiting of gliding from RAF Bicester. Key issues include compatibility of gliding with other airfield uses, airfield capacity, air space considerations, the impact on the local environment and cost.