HC Deb 07 March 1989 vol 148 cc506-7W
31. Mr. John Hunt

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received regarding the proposed transfer of the Royal Air Force officer and aircrew selection centre from Biggin hill to RAF Cranwell; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Neubert

My Department has received representations from both the local and departmental (non-industrial) trades union sides whose members are affected by the transfer, from the London borough of Bromley council, from local branches of the Aircrew Association and Royal Marines Association, on behalf of Belgian pilots based at Biggin hill during world war 2, and from members of the public.

Mr. John Hunt

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has on whether, following the transfer of the Royal Air Force officer and aircrew selection centre from Biggin hill to RAF Cranwell, suitably qualified personnel will be available in the Cranwell area to undertake the required work.

Mr. Neubert

It is not anticipated that there will be any difficulties recruiting suitably qualified staff in the Cranwell area.

Mr. John Hunt

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will specify the arrangements which he intends to make in order to ensure the retention of the Air Training Corps unit at RAF Biggin hill following the transfer of the officer and aircrew selection centre to RAF Cranwell.

Mr. Neubert

All options available to retain the Air Training Corps unit at RAF Biggin hill will be considered.

Mr. John Hunt

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the cost of the redundancy payments to be made to those civilian personnel at Royal Air Force Biggin hill who will not be moving to RAF Cranwell following the transfer of the Royal Air Force officer and aircrew selection centre from Biggin hill.

Mr. Neubert

Until such time as the intentions of the individual members of the staff are known it is not possible to estimate the likely cost of redundancy payments.

Mr. John Hunt

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what use is currently made of the Royal Air Force officer and aircrew selection centre at Biggin hill for flying aptitude and medical tests by Army and Royal Navy personnel; to what extend such facilities would continue to be used by these service personnel following the transfer of the centre to RAF Cranwell; and if he anticipates the provision of additional facilities at any other location for these tests.

Mr. Neubert

In addition to its own selection task, the Royal Air Force officers and aircrew selection centre at Biggin hill annually undertakes about 400 aptitude tests and aircrew medical examinations for prospective Army pilots, and flying aptitude tests for about 750 pilot and observer candidates for the Royal Navy. Facilities will continue to be offered to the other services when the centre is transferred to RAF Cranwell.