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RAF Communications (Hub Delay)

I announced on 17 January 2006, Official Report, column 25WS, that to enable the more effective use of Defence resources, an RAF Communications Hub would be formed at RAF Leeming. I also announced that communications personnel would move from RAF Sealand to RAF Leeming by April 2006 and that communications personnel from RAF Brize Norton and RAF High Wycombe would move to RAF Leeming in 2007. The initial move has been successfully completed on time in April 2006 and around 90 communications personnel from RAF High Wycombe are on schedule to move this year. However, there will now be a phased relocation of communications personnel from RAF Brize Norton to RAF Leeming beginning in summer 2008 as technical and domestic accommodation becomes available. The delay in provision of new-build accommodation has been occasioned by the routine adjustment of funds to ensure that our resources are allocated in line with Defence priorities.