§ Mr. BrazierTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what further consideration he has given to the future of RAF Wyton and the proposed location of the RAF logistics command headquarters; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonThe Royal Air Force's electronic warfare and reconnaissance assets and a number of other major and minor units are currently stationed at RAF Wyton. In order to exploit the benefits of estate rationalisation and because certain units are being market-tested, flying operations at RAF Wyton are planned to reduce to the point at which it would be uneconomic to retain the airfield, with its associated station support services, as a flying station.
Subject to consultation with the trade unions I have concluded that the electronic warfare and reconnaissance assets should be relocated to RAF Waddington, and other units to RAF Marham and RAF Finningley. These relocations would be completed by mid 1996.
I announced on 14 August that RAF Wyton, along with RAF Brampton, would form the centre for RAF logistics management, and that this would involve the concentration there of support activities situated now at several sites, including MOD Harrogate. It subsequently emerged from revised Army plans that Uniacke barracks at Pennypot, near Harrogate, might become available for other defence purposes, and I therefore commissioned a detailed study into its possible use for RAF logistics activities. This re-examination is now complete. The result is to confirm that the Brampton/Wyton option provides the best solution to RAF needs. RAF Logistic Command will therefore form on 1 April 1994 at Brampton and, on current plans, most of the logistic support services will move to Wyton in 1995 and 1996. MOD Harrogate, RAF Swanton Morley, and eventually RAF Stanbridge, will close as originally announced.
I am happy to say that the Army apprentice college at Uniacke barracks at Pennypot will, however, remain open for longer than previously anticipated. Apprentice training for the Royal Signals will continue there for the time being and will move direct to Blandford where new facilities should be ready for occupation during 1995. Alternative long-term defence uses for the Pennypot site are tinder consideration.