§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of RAF Greatworth.
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§ Mr. FreemanThe Ministry of Defence has been considering the future of RAF Greatworth, for which the RAF no longer have a requirement and we are now able to announce that we will make available to the United States Air Force an enclave containing the station's buildings to provide support for the US Air Force main operating base at RAF Upper Heyford. The buildings will be used for personnel accommodation and the storage of non-warlike items such as furniture. That land not required by the United States Air Force will be sold. Historically the signals facilities at RAF Greatworth have played an important role in support of the Royal Air Force and I am pleased that the station will be able to continue to contribute to the defence of this country in this way. I shall be arranging for an appropriate ceremony to take place in due course to mark the handover of the station and to commemorate the station's historical contribution. Representatives of the local community will be invited, including the hon. Member for Daventry.