The airport is regarded as vital for Cornwall's economic future

Newquay, which operates from RAF St Mawgan, receives essential services from the RAF such as air traffic control and fire and rescue.

But the announcement that St Mawgan is to be mothballed in 2007 has left the future of Newquay airport uncertain.

MP Matthew Taylor was speaking after a reply from Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram in the House of Commons.

Possible lifeline

Mr Ingram said there would be no further Ministry of Defence funding if the RAF withdrew.

He said: "If we have no use for it, I don't think it would be appropriate for money to be spent to maintain a civilian airport.

"If we have a use I will see what we can do."

The UK's replacement for the Harrier, the Joint Combat Aircraft (JCA), could offer a possible lifeline.

St Mawgan is one of five bases under consideration to take the JCA from 2013.

But there have been concerns about possible noise levels and there is a strong suggestion that may already have eliminated the base from the shortlist.

Mr Taylor told the Commons: "The noise levels of the new aircraft, double that of existing military fighter aircraft, could render it virtually impractical for civilian operations at Newquay."