RAF Boulmer closure plans "seriously flawed, says Auditor General

9.00.00am GMT Tue 14th Nov 2006

In a letter to Alan Beith MP, the Auditor General, reporting on the study commissioned at Alan Beith's request, has ruled that the cost estimates for moving RAF Boulmer to Scampton in Lincolnshire were "seriously flawed".

Sir John Bourn says in his letter that "the investment required for developing Scampton turned out to be four times grater than the original estimate - and distorted the outcome of the investment appraisal. The recommendation for moving several units to RAF Scampton had to be aborted but not until after some £300,000 had been spent on the planned move."

He adds that the changes of plan have been unsettling for RAF personnel and the local communities involved.

Alan comments "I was convinced from the start that the plan to close Boulmer was based on serious errors in assessing the costs, and this has now been demonstrated by the Comptroller and Auditor General. I am now very optimistic that the main activities at RAF Boulmer will stay where they are for many years to come."

"It would be helpful for all concerned if the Minister came out and confirmed this, rather than trying to avoid admitting that serious mistakes were made."