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Ministers deny base closure plan
Concerns were raised over the base's future |
Ministers have dismissed concerns that HMS Gannet naval base has been earmarked for closure.
Concerns over the future of the base in Prestwick, Ayrshire, were raised during an adjournment debate in the House of Commons.
Ayr MP Sandra Osborne called for the debate amid mounting concern that the Royal Navy was considering pulling out.
She told MPs that a visiting naval officer had recently informed personnel at HMS Gannet that the site would be bulldozed within the next two years.
The MP warned that the closure would mean the loss of 450 jobs and cost the local economy an estimated £15m a year.
Search and rescue
However, the government gave assurances that the search and rescue facility at the base would continue for the foreseeable future.
It also revealed that there would be further consideration on the deployment of Merlin helicopters to replace the Sea Kings at the base.
After the debate the Labour MP said she was "relieved" that the strong rumours of complete closure appeared to be without foundation.
The formal results of a consultation exercise on the issue are due to be published soon.
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