§ Mr. Peter DuncanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date fire service cover at West Freugh airfield was withdrawn; and what contingency cover is available for future emergency use of the airfield. [46975]
§ Dr. MoonieFire service cover was withdrawn at West Freugh airfield on 28 March when full-time operation came to an end. The airfield is now in care and maintenance but can be reactivated for exercises or other short term use. In such a case military users will provide air traffic control and fire cover to suit specific circumstances.
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§ Mr. Peter DuncanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations from(a)QinetiQ, (b)Serco and (c)DERA were received prior to the decision to close West Freugh airfield for routine operations. [46974]
§ Dr. MoonieThe former DERA was, as previously announced, subsumed in QinetiQ and DSTL in July 2001. Both QinetiQ and Serco have raised issues pertaining to the site but neither company objected to the cessation of full-time airfield operations at West Freugh.