HC Deb 09 June 1972 vol 838 cc164-5W
Mr. Judd

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will make a further statement on the future of military airfields in South Hampshire and West Sussex.

Lord Lambton

Officials of my Department have discussed this problem with representatives of the South Hampshire Plan Advisory Committee, of the West Sussex County Council and of the Civil Aviation Authority.

The position with regard to RNAS Lee-on-Solent remains as stated in the Answer given by my hon. Friend to the hon. Member on 17th January: and I have concluded that significantly increased civil use of RAF Thorney Island would not be compatible with the essential RAF tasks of that station.

With regard to the future of RAF Tangmere, a recent study of the supply drop training carried out there has shown that this training can now be appropriately carried out elsewhere. In the light of this study, and after consultation with the Defence Lands Committee, I have concluded that Tangmere airfield should be closed as soon as possible, and released by the RAF for disposal under the normal procedures.—[Vol. 829, c. 75–6.]