§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the implications of(a) the Defence Spending Review and (b) the proposals set out in his oral statement on future capabilities for defence on 21 July for (i) RAF Leeming, (ii) RAF Linton on Ouse, (iii) AAC Dishforth and (iv) Alanbrooke Barracks; and if he will make a statement. [186618]
§ Mr. IngramThe Defence White Paper "Delivering Security in a Changing World: Future Capabilities" published on 21 July set out our future plans for Defence. The White Paper took account of the Spending Review 2004 settlement for Defence. As the White Paper set out, we intend to disband a Tornado F3 squadron based at RAF Leeming by the end of October 2005. The Hawk squadron will continue to be based there. The1868W future role of the base will be considered as part of a wider review of Defence Airfields. RAF Linton on Ouse and AAC Dishforth are also within the scope of the Defence Airfield Review, which will be completed in 2005.
There are no plans to close Alanbrooke Barracks at Topcliffe. We are, however, examining the type of unit that is based there as a result of work on the Future Army Structure. The future need for the Airfield at the barracks is to be considered under the Defence Airfield Review. This is not expected to have any impact on the Army's use of the barracks.