§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will guarantee the long-term future of RAF Lyneham; and if he will make a statement; [17155]
(2) if he will provide an assurance that he has no plans to close RAF Lyneham. [15228]
§ Mr. IngramThere are currently no plans to close RAF Lyneham. The hon. Member is aware however that a study has been commissioned as part of the Ministry of Defence's normal planning process, to consider the future roles of RAF Lyneham, RAF Brize Norton and RAF St. Mawgan.
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§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many medically downgraded personnel are serving at RAF Lyneham; if they may be deployed in the Falklands; and how that policy of deployment differs from that of the(a) Army and (b) Royal Navy. [15232]
§ Mr. HoonThere are 818 medically downgraded personnel serving at RAF Lyneham. Of these, 238 are fit for detachment to the Falkland Islands. The policy for deployment of service personnel to the Falkland Islands is centrally set by the Surgeon General's Department. It is designed to prevent risk to individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. Royal Naval personnel who are graded fit for service worldwide but subject to a specific medical condition may be deployed to the Falkland Islands if their condition permits. Army personnel must be employable on full combatant duties. RAF personnel must be fit for the full ground duties of their branch or trade, including all general service duties.