§ Mr. WigginTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the impact on the local community of the loss of jobs at RAF Sealand in Flintshire: and what further plans he has for RAF Sealand. [169773]
§ Mr. IngramRAF Sealand was covered by a study into the future location of the RAF's Air Combat Service Support Units and other minor units. As I announced in my Written Ministerial Statement of 23 April 2004, (Official Report), column 3OWS, I am inclined, subject to Trade Union consultation, to accept an option which would see the closure of RAF Sealand by April 2006. This would result in the loss of around 100 civilian jobs. The Defence Aviation Repair Agency which is located on the same site would not be affected. Any land that becomes surplus to requirements will be handled in accordance with usual procedures.
I would expect the impact on the local community of the closure of RAF Sealand to be negligible as Flintshire has an expanding economy and a low unemployment rate.