HC Deb 14 January 1994 vol 235 cc349-50W
Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the full study report and costings which formed the basis of the decision to close 14 maintenance unit, RAF Carlisle.

Mr. Hanley

It would not be appropriate to release the full study report and costings. A consultation document covering the factors involved has been issued to all interested parties, and further detailed information will be provided where appropriate.

Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement outlining the impact on other MOD establishments within the area of closing 14 maintenance unit, RAF Carlisle.

Mr. Hanley

I will write to the hon. Member.

Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the value of all refurbishment work carried out at 14 maintenance unit, RAF Carlisle over the last five years.

Mr. Hanley

Over the last five years, £31 million has been spent on minor new build and refurbishment at RAF Carlisle.

Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how the decision to close 14 maintenance unit, RAF Carlisle is compatible with his announcement on "front line first".

Mr. Hanley

The defence cost study will be taking a new and radical look at all aspects of support, with the aim of identifying further areas where we can reduce costs. The proposals to rationalise the support provided to the RAF at the equipment supply depots by reducing to a single depot, which originated before the "front line first" programme was instituted, are entirely consistent with that aim.

Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make more time available for the consultation process on the decision to close 14 maintenance unit, RAF Carlisle.

Mr. Hanley

At the request of the local trade unions at our meeting last month, I agreed that the consultation period should be extended by one month to 18 March 1994.

Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the transfer of posts to go from 14 maintenance unit, RAF Carlisle to 16 maintenance unit, RAF with an estimate of people and grades required for transfer.

Mr. Hanley

As indicated in the consultative document, a copy of which is in the Library of the House, it is estimated that some 332 civilian posts would be relocated. It is not possible at this stage to be specific about the numbers and grades of personnel required for transfer.

Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make an official visit to 14 maintenance unit, RAF Carlisle to discuss plans to close the unit by 1997.

Mr. Hanley

I have already indicated to local representatives my intention to visit RAF Carlisle to discuss our proposals during the period of consultation.

Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration has been given to the alternative plan to make savings submitted by the trade unions involved in 14 maintenance unit, RAF Carlisle.

Mr. Hanley

We have not yet received the trade union plan; when we do, we shall, of course, give it due consideration.