§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will make it his policy to consult local interests before agreeing to the operation of scheduled services by commercial airlines from RAF Leuchars; [57729]
(2) what proposals have been made and by which airline companies for the operation of scheduled service from RAF Leuchars; [57728]
(3) what his policy is towards the use of front line RAF stations by commercial airlines operating scheduled services; and if he will make a statement; [57727]
(4) on how many occasions Ministers or members of his Department have met representatives of commercial airline companies to discuss the operation of scheduled services from RAF Leuchars; [57726]
(5) if he will make it his policy to take amenity considerations into account when responding to proposals for the operation of scheduled air services from RAF stations. [57725]
§ Mr. IngramAs part of the Government's Wider Markets Initiative, RAF Strike Command is considering the feasibility for the exploitation of irreducible spare capacity on its airfields, which may include use by scheduled service operators. The primacy of military operations will not be diluted as a result of commercial activity. No formal proposals have been put forward by airline companies for the operation of scheduled services from RAF Leuchars. No Ministry of Defence Minister or official has met representatives of commercial airline companies to discuss the operation of scheduled services from RAF Leuchars, however, consultants advising the RAF have sought the views of the airline operator community. It is Ministry of Defence policy to consult fully and openly with representatives from relevant local and regional councils when examining the feasibility of any regular commercial airline activity at RAF bases.