Written question asked by David Laws (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 9 May 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 May 2006. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Monday, 15 May 2006 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

RNAS Yeovilton

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his plans for RNAS Yeovilton.

Answer: RNAS Yeovilton is the Main Operating Base for the Royal Navy's Lynx and Commando Helicopter Forces and, despite the departure of the Sea Harrier in March of this year, is still the UK's largest (by aircraft number) and busiest military airfield.In 2004 the RAF-led Defence Airfield Review (DAR) identified irreducible spare capacity at RNAS Yeovilton which could be exploited. Following publication of the Review's report in May 2004, a number of Working Groups were formed to take the detailed work forward. The issue of spare capacity at RNAS Yeovilton is being considered by the Programme Belvedere Working Group. Programme Belvedere is responsible for the Joint Helicopter Command basing element of DAR and is currently examining options for the basing of all of the Department's current and future battlefield helicopters. No decisions have yet been made, but the effect of any changes on the local community will be taken into consideration as part of the analysis.The Royal Navy has recently announced the relocation of 727 Naval Air Squadron from Plymouth Roborough Airport to RNAS Yeovilton. As part of its task, the squadron provides Air Experience Flying (AEF) opportunities for younger members of the public. A recent review of AEF concluded that the relocation to RNAS Yeovilton will offer a greater selection of AEF to a much wider audience. The relocation will also result in a small increase in employment opportunities in the local area.

Secondary information