HL Deb 24 September 2002 vol 638 cc192-3WA
Lord Marlesford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they completed their review of the future use of RAF Northolt under their review of Ministry of Defence property holding within the Greater London area; when the work of the London study was published; and what proposals they now have for the future of the RAF Northolt site.[HL5653]

Lord Bach

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) stated that further reductions in land and buildings in the London area should be possible. Among other sites in the Greater London area, it indicated that the future requirements at RAF Northolt should be examined in detail.

To address this, the Strategic Development Plan for Greater London (SDP GL) was commissioned to provide an overview of the capacity and condition of the London estate and make recommendations aimed at encouraging its most efficient and effective use.

The first phase of the study was concluded in 1999. Since then detailed studies have been undertaken to support the individual recommendations. A project team is now preparing detailed proposals for ministerial approval.

We hope to make an announcement in the near future.

Lord Marlesford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many aircraft movements there have been from RAF Northolt in the most recent 12-month period for which they have data; and whether they will indicate by broad category the purpose of these flights. [HL5654]

Lord Bach

The last 12-month period for which figures are available is July 2001 to June 2002. In that time there were a total of 11,477 movements, a movement being defined as a take-off or landing. This total was made up of 3,128 movements by RAF aircraft, 334 movements by civilian aircraft on United Kingdom government business, 1,160 movements by other military aircraft and 6,855 civilian aircraft movements.