§ Lord Trefgarneasked Her Majesty's Government:
What decisions have been taken on the implementation of Options for Change in the Royal Air Force.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (The Earl of Arran)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 he disbanded on 1st April 1992, and No. 63 Squadron RAF Regiment will be disbanded on 1st 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 honourable friend on 25th July 1990. Further announcements on the implementation ofOptions for Change in the RAF will be made as decisions are taken.