HC Deb 31 July 1997 vol 299 c472W
Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Royal Air Force began operating from its bases at Laarbruch and Bruggen in Germany; and what use is currently made of the bases by the Royal Air Force. [11857]

Mr. Spellar

RAF Laarbruch commenced operations in November 1954. Currently, the station is the main operating base for Numbers 3 and 4 squadrons, equipped with Harrier GR7 aircraft, and Numbers 1 (Field) and 26 (Rapier) squadrons, RAF regiment. RAF Bruggen commenced operations in July 1953. Currently, the station is the main operating base for Numbers 9, 14, 17 and 31 squadrons, equipped with Tornado GR1 aircraft, and Number 37 squadron RAF regiment.