Written question asked by Baroness McIntosh of Pickering (Conservative) on Wednesday, 24 October 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 30 October 2007. It was answered by Bob Ainsworth (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 October 2007 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Air Force: Military Bases

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of (a) RAF Leeming, (b) RAF Linton and (c) Dishforth Airfield.

Answer: As my predecessor advised the hon. Member on 26 March 2007, Official Report, column 1355W, and 18 May 2007, Official Report, column 991W, the number and operation of military airfields is under constant review to ensure that the best use is made of the Defence Estate for our armed forces. As my predecessor also advised the hon. Member, the long term future of RAF Leeming is secure.RAF Linton-on-Ouse is one of six main sites that currently provide UK military flying training. The station may be affected by the UK Military Flying Training System (MFTS) procurement project which will cater for the future flying training needs of the armed forces. No decisions have yet been taken.As my predecessor advised the hon. Member on 16 May 2007, Official Report, column 820W, we are currently reviewing our long-term requirements for all of the UK's military helicopter bases under Programme Belvedere. It is too early to say what the outcome of this study will be and what, if any, impact this will have on Dishforth Airfield. I will inform the House when I am able to say more.

Secondary information