§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to close a runway at RAF Lyneham. [26624]
§ Mr. IngramThe hon. Member is aware that a study has been commissioned as part of the Ministry of Defence's normal planning process, to consider the future roles of RAF Lyneham, RAF Brize Norton and RAF St. Mawgan. The study will examine the most cost-effective way to base the Air Transport Fleet, taking account of the competition for the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft. It will explore opportunities for the exploitation of spare capacity at the three stations in the light of decisions about the above aircraft types. This will involve consideration of all aspects of the operations of each station. The study will report in the summer and I will inform the House of the details of its conclusions.