HC Deb 10 July 1968 vol 768 cc83-4W
Mr. Corfield

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what decisions have been taken within the six months ended 30th June, 1968, to close or change the operational status of Royal Air Force aerodromes in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Since 1st January, 1968, we have decided to close R.A.F. Bovingdon, early in 1969, and R.A.F. Ouston as soon as a new home has been found for minor units located there.

The following changes in operational status have also been decided.

R.A.F. White Waltham—Headquarters, No. 25 Group, disbanded on 1st July, 1968. Headquarters, Air Cadets will move to Brampton by 1st October; the airfield and certain minor flying units will be retained.

R.A.F. Wittering is to become the base for the United Kingdom Harrier force, following the disbandment of the Victor squadrons based there towards the end of 1968.

R.A.F. Cottesmore—the two Vulcan squadrons now based there will move to a base overseas early in 1969; a decision on a new task for the station will be taken in the near future.

All these decisions have been announced.