In his Statement to the House today. Geoff Hoon announced our plans for the modernisation of the Armed Forces. We have also published an Addendum to December's Defence White Paper, a copy of which has been sent to you. This Addendum sets out our intention to examine our future requirements for airfields with a view to making substantial reductions.

This is part of the wider work announced by Ivor Caplin on 23 March (Official Report col 47ws) looking at consolidating defence activity on a smaller number of more densely utilised locations in order to make optimum use of land and facilities. An initial study of the overall defence requirements for airfields in the UK indicated that the Department has more airfields than it will require. We have, therefore, decided to conduct a full review of our requirements. This will take the form of drawing up a series of business cases that will consider operational effectiveness and be supported by investment appraisals.

I am writing to let you know that Boscombe Down airfield, as part of the Defence Estate, will be included in this review. However, as you are well aware, it is recognised as a key Test and Evaluation establishment, operated by QinetiQ on behalf of the MoD.

I will write to you again with more information once detailed work starts.

The Rt Hon Adam Ingram MP