§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what are the operational criteria for the proposed closure of Royal Air Force Finningley; and if he will make a statement;
§ Mr. SoamesThe closure of RAF Finningley has been proposed following a thorough review of all flying training in the RAF. That review sought to identify the most cost-effective utilisation of the RAF training estate as a whole. The rationale for the proposed closure of Finningley is set out in paragraphs 11 to 18 of my Department's consultative document, published on 17 November 1994, copies of which were sent to the hon. Member and placed in the Library of the House.