§ Lord Randall of St. Budeauxasked Her Majesty's Government:
Which front line aircraft squadrons will be disbanded as a result of the Strategic Defence Review. [HL2497]
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Gilbert)We considered this matter very carefully and decided that the most effective way to meet the reductions in the Tornado F3 and Tornado GR forces was to disband two squadrons. In order to minimise disruption for Service personnel and optimise running cost savings, No. 29(F) Tornado F3 Squadron at RAF Coningsby and No. 17(F) Tornado GR Squadron at RAF Bruggen will be disbanded by 1 April 1999.
There will be no redundancies as a result of this decision. We wish to place on record our recognition of the distinguished role these squadrons have performed over many years. Arrangements are in place to brief all personnel affected by this decision.