RAF Northolt (Hansard, 5 November 2002)

§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Bach):

Following the Strategic Defence Review, a strategic assessment has been made of the Ministry of Defence's future estate needs in the London area. This has shown that there is considerable scope to focus activity on to a smaller number of sites. The review is part of a wider rationalisation strategy to reduce the size of the 94WA defence estate by co-locating activities on to core sites, which will become a focus for future investment. The objective is to have a fit-for-purpose estate of the right size, shape and quality to meet defence outputs.

RAF Northolt will become the centrepiece for Ministry of Defence plans to develop a core site for tasks that need to be based in north west London. As the only government-controlled airfield close to central London, studies have revealed that it is possible to develop the site for additional non-flying activities, most of which are currently based at RAF Uxbridge and at Inglis Barracks, Mill Hill.

The Queens's Colour Squadron, HQ Music Services and the Central Band of the RAF have operational synergies with RAF Northolt in relation to VIP and ceremonial tasks carried out at the airfield. It is intended that these units should transfer from RAF Uxbridge, together with elements of the Personnel Services Wing and other minor lodgers from the Uxbridge site. In addition, space can be found for the British Forces Post Office and Defence Courier Service to move to Northolt from Mill Hill. Once Inglis Barracks has been vacated, the Mill Hill site will be sold for alternative civilian use.

It will be possible to close the Uxbridge site for MoD use once the only other remaining task. the London Transit Centre, has moved to utilise surplus capacity at the Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich. However, a parallel stream of work relating to the United States Navy's occupation of MoD sites in London has shown that it is possible to co-locate the bulk of the USN tasks at RAF Uxbridge, leading to the eventual closure of RAF Eastcote, RAF West Ruislip, RAF Daws Hill, Blenheim Crescent and Kennington Barracks and other leased property. Subject to further discussion with United States authorities and to reaching agreement with them, it is our intention to transfer RAF Uxbridge for the co-location of USN tasks from other parts of London.

Combining Ministry of Defence and USN rationalisation activities as one programme of work presents a unique opportunity for the United Kingdom and United States Governments to work together to the advantage of both parties.

Operational efficiency will be maintained or enhanced with personnel levels and employment activity broadly maintained. Starting with the relocation of BFPO, due to complete early in 2005 but with a stretch target of late 2004, the rationalisation process as a whole will take approximately five years to complete.

In accordance with Government policy on sustainable development., the potential impact of all the options was assessed in terms of strategic environmental assessment and other sustainability issues, such as transport and the needs of the local economy. Once implemented, the brownfield sites released will be available for alternative civilian development.

We hope the noble Lord, Lord Marlesford, will recognise that these are imaginative proposals that will bring benefits to the Ministry of Defence and the local 95WA communities in which these military activities are based. We shall now embark on a period of consultation with the trade unions concerned and we shall keep the noble Lord informed as our plans progress.