HC Deb 23 February 1998 vol 307 cc42-3W
Mr. Keith Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what are his plans for the future use of RAF Coltishall; [30935]

(2) if RAF Coltishall is planned to be an operational base for Jaguars beyond 2002. [30934]

Dr. Reid

In common with many other bases, the future of RAF Coltishall is being considered in the context of our wide-ranging work on the Strategic Defence Review. Once all work on the review has been considered by Ministers, we will publish a White Paper setting out our overall conclusions. It is too soon to comment on what those conclusions may be and the implications that they may have.

Mr. Keith Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the costs of upgrading RAF Coltishall for Jaguar aircraft. [30933]

Dr. Reid

As part of routine maintenance, the runway at RAF Coltishall has recently been refurbished at a cost of £5.24 million. There have been no other significant improvements to the Station, which has been a Jaguar base for 24 years.