§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Defence how much is to be spent updating the aircraft hangars at Leuchars air base; how many aircraft are currently based at Leuchars; and how many are proposed to be based there.
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§ Mr. BlakerI assume that the hon. Member is referring to the construction of hardened aircraft shelters at Royal Air Force Leuchars, the cost of which is estimated to be in the order of £13 million. It is, however, expected that some 80 per cent. of this programme will be funded by NATO.
There are two squadrons of Phantoms at Leuchars and one flight of Wessex helicopters. The Phantoms are to be replaced in the late 1980s by Tornado F2s. It is not the practice to disclose details of aircraft numbers at particular stations.