HC Deb 02 July 1991 vol 194 cc136-8W
Mr. Wilkinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what decisions have been taken on the implementation of "Options for Change" in the Royal Air Force.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

We have identified a number of measures needed to ensure the most effective use of the resources available for defence.

Subject to the usual consultation with the trade unions we have decided to close RAF Hullavington and No. 7 Flying Training School at RAF Church Fenton starting in April 1992, and RAF Abingdon by May 1993. The RAF elementary flying training school will be relocated from RAF Swinderby to RAF Topcliffe in July 1993. We have also decided that it should additionally be possible to close RAF West Raynham at some future date. No. 16 and No. 58 Squadrons, RAF Regiment, will be disbanded on 1 April 1992, and No. 63 Squadron RAF Regiment will be disbanded on 1 October 1992. These changes are part of the move towards smaller, better equipped, properly trained and housed and well-motivated armed forces announced by my right hon. Friend on 25 July 1990. Further announcements on the implementation of "Options for Change" in the RAF will be made as decisions are taken.