§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what equipment at present at RAF Finningley is required by the RAF; and what equipment is surplus to the RAF's future needs. [17863]
§ Mr. SoamesFollowing the announcement of the closure of RAF Finningley, the RAF's requirement for the equipment based at the station will be reviewed. At present, no equipment has been declared surplus to the RAF's requirements.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the uses to which RAF Finningley can be put by(a) the Ministry of Defence and (b) other Government Departments. [17862]
§ Mr. SoamesThe decision to close RAF Finningley has only recently been taken, and no detailed assessment of alternative uses has yet been made. If no alternative defence use is identified, however, the site will be disposed of in accordance with our normal procedures. These would include detailed discussions with the local planning authority and an assessment of alternative uses. Other Government Departments will have an opportunity to express any interest they may have.