Mr James Gray (North Wiltshire) (Conservative): The Minister does not need reminding by me that RAF Lyneham and the neighbouring towns of Wootton Bassett and Lyneham provide all the schools, infrastructure and transport that could possibly be needed for returning troops from Germany, and it will be available to them later this year.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Gerald Howarth): I am grateful to my hon. Friend for putting that on the record. It looks as though I could organise a competitive tender here, but I am not sure whether his parliamentary allowance could be used to bid to see who would offer the best value to the Ministry of Defence. Having visited Lyneham, I understand the facilities it offers. I reiterate my tribute to the people of Wootton Bassett in his constituency. I have been privileged to see the repatriations with him, and see how the town has been a credit to the whole kingdom for its dignity and the tributes it has paid to the fallen from Afghanistan. As we work our way through these issues, I assure hon. Members that we are well aware of the human dimension-the effect on our own people as they wait to hear how these decisions will affect them and their families.

Source: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110301/halltext/110301h0002.htm#11030135000248