§ Mr. Critchleyasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether it is intended to continue flying at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough: and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PattieFollowing the recommendations of the steering group on R and D establishments under Lord Strathcona which reported last year, a working group was set up to recommend which of the major MOD(PE) airfields at Boscombe Down, Bedford and Farnborough could be closed with least disadvantage. The group concluded that the closure of any of the airfields would take several years but that the closure of Farnborough airfield was the option which showed the least disadvantage, although it would involve severe problems.
In the light of this study, it has been decided that Boscombe Down and Bedford airfields should continue as at present. No decision has been taken to close Farnborough airfield for flying. But it has been decided to widen the consideration of the future of this airfield and in particular to examine by what means and to what extent Farnborough airfield could be opened up to general aviation use. To this end the Ministry of Defence will be consulting other interests concerned. In these studies full account will he taken of the need to safeguard the facilities of the Farnborough International Air Show.