Farnborough Airfield

HC Deb 11 January 1995 vol 252 cc160-1W

Mr. Brazier

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the future of Farnborough airfield; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

Farnborough airfield will become surplus to MOD requirements from 1 April 1995. However, arrangements have been put in place to make it available for the international air show at least until the end of the century. As my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Transport indicated on 20 December 1994,Official Report, column 1091–92 the Government believe it important to retain capacity for business aviation at Farnborough. The MOD has recently appointed Schroders to advise on the options for the longer term future of the Farnborough site, in particular its viability as a centre for business aviation and for the air show. Schroders will report in the spring of this year.