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Written question asked by Lord Selkirk of Douglas (Conservative) on Tuesday, 16 May 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 31 May 2023. It was answered by Baroness Goldie (Conservative) on Tuesday, 30 May 2023 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

RAF Scampton

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made, if any, of the case (1) for preserving the historic fabric of RAF Scampton, (2) for commemorating (a) the 53 RAF personnel who died on the Dambusters Raid, and (b) the 55,573 who died in total during operations with RAF Bomber Command, and (3) for providing necessities for any refugees to be accommodated there.

Answer

The Ministrt of Defence (MOD) has had to make some difficult decisions to dispose of sites, including the former RAF Scampton, that have become surplus to military requirements in accordance with HM Treasury guidance on the management of surplus Government land. As part of the disposal process, full consideration is always given to the history and heritage of a site. Leading up to the disposal of the former RAF Scampton, a number of heritage assets were relocated to other either RAF stations, returned to their private owners or donated to the local Scampton Heritage Group in order to preserve them for future generations.

The MOD is extremely proud of its personnel and those that gave their lives in the defence of the United Kingdom. The sacrifices made by these heroic individuals are remembered through the various memorials that are open to the public with the Dambusters squadron crew that lost their lives being represented by the memorial at Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, and with the 55,573 Bomber Command crew that lost their lives being represented by the Bomber Command memorial located within The Green Park, London.

Questions on provision of necessities for any asylum seekers housed at the former RAF base in the future are a matter for the Home Office.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL7881
Session
2022-23
Subjects
Asylum Veterans RAF Scampton
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk