WILTSHIRE MP James Gray has quizzed the Armed Forces minister Adam Ingram MP over the future of RAF Lyneham during defence questions in the House of Commons.

The future of the giant Hercules base is in the melting pot following news it is to be the subject of a strategic review along with RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire and St Mawgan in Cornwall.

Mr Gray asked: "Whether it is appropriate to be planning to sell off RAF bases for housing to the higher bidder, at a time like this?"

Mr Gray, who is Shadow Defence Minister, referred to an article which appeared in a Sunday newspaper, quoting "a Senior Defence source" as saying, "part of the thinking inevitably will be the amount of money that can be raised for the Treasury by selling land for such things as housing."

The minister said: "A review has been undertaken to consider ways in which we can best utilise the available resources. Honourable Members will be advised when the review has been concluded."

Mr Gray believes that whilst the base would not shut till 2008, the fight to save RAF Lyneham must start now as the decision will be taken much sooner.