HC Deb 24 January 1992 vol 202 cc377-8W
Mr. Bill Walker

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what further changes are planned in the organisation of the Royal Air Force.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Work has continued on the structure of the Royal Air Force required for Britain's Defence for the 1990s. The following decisions have been taken:

It was announced in the statement on the Defence estimates that RAF Abingdon would close by May 1993. We now plan closure on 31 July 1992. The flying units from Abingdon, which comprise the Oxford and London university air squadrons and No. 6 Air Experience Flight will move to RAF Benson in July.

Following the announced withdrawal of the USAF from RAF Kemble it will no longer be economic to maintain the RAF maintenance tasks at the base. It is proposed that airfield operations should end on 31 March 1992 when US flying will also cease—and that the RAF will withdraw by 31 July 1992. In the meantime the Army will use RAF Kemble for vehicle storage on a temporary basis, while reviewing its longer term requirement for such a facility.

All flying training at RAF Brawdy will cease on 31 August 1992 as part of the general reorganisation of advanced flying and tactical weapons training which will be concentrated at RAF Valley and RAF Chivenor. RAF Brawdy will remain open and possible alternative uses will be explored.