Written question asked by Ann Winterton (Conservative) on Tuesday, 22 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 6 April 2005. It was answered by Ivor Caplin (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 April 2005 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans his Department has to close airfields; what assessment he has made of the impact of reductions in the number of airfields on Air Training Corps gliding activities; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has to close airfields; what assessment he has made of the impact of reductions in the number of airfields on Air Training Corps gliding activities; and if he will make a statement. [218236] Mr. Caplin: We have announced that the airfield at RAF Coltishall will close in 2006 and the airfield at RAF Lyneham will close when the Hercules aircraft based there transfer to RAF Brize Norton. There is no Air Training Corps gliding activity at either of the above airfields. Additionally, RAF Sealand is scheduled to close in 2006. The relocation of 631 Voluntary Gliding School is under consideration and full account will be taken of the impact on Air Training Corps gliding activity.

Secondary information