HC Deb 30 January 1980 vol 977 cc682-3W
Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether F111 aircraft are to be brought to any United States Air Forces standby base in the South of England in June of the current year;

(2) whether any discussions have taken place with the United States Air Force, and whether any application has been received or any plans made, regarding the stationing of F111 aircraft at any United States Air Force standby base in the South of England or their transfer there from another station; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Pattie

There have been no discussions with the United States Air Force regarding the stationing of F111 aircraft at any USAF standby base in this country or their transfer there from another station, nor am I aware of any plans for the deployment of F111 aircraft to any USAF standby base in the South of England this year. However, consideration is being given to the possibility of a short-term, practice deployment by F111 aircraft to a MOD airfield in the South of England during the summer. An announcement will be made if approval for such an exercise is given.