Paul Murphy: Announcement soon

Last month the Ministry of Defence has sidestepped calls to clarify the future of RAF St Athan.

Mr Spellar said it was not possible to estimate the cost of re-locating the Defence Aviation Repair Agency (DARA) from St Athan.

Mr Spellar told the local MP John Smith in a written parliamentary answer that no decision had been made yet to relocate DARA elsewhere.

The Vale of Glamorgan MP Mr Smith said he had evidence that the agency was considering ending repair work at the base altogether.

The DARA has dismissed claims that 1,500 jobs could go at RAF St Athan.

It was announced earlier that 160 staff were to be transferred to another base in Hampshire and Mr Smith believes that is just the start of further cuts.

Combat aircraft

The MP explained he had been given a diagram showing plans for a new hanger at Cardiff International Airport with facilities for just 1,500 of the 3,000 staff.

Mr Spellar has not ruled out the possibility of a move to Cardiff Airport.

St Athan is the main repair and overhaul base for Britain's frontline combat aircraft.

As well as service personnel, 3,000 civilian staff are employed by DARA.