Now that RAF Linton-on-Ouse, my ‘home’ for two years six decades ago, isn’t going to be a centre for asylum seekers, may I suggest an ‘alternative’ use for the base?

How about deploying it as an RAF station?

Ben Wallace seems to be a tenacious Defence Secretary; the idea might appeal to him and his department.

I don’t know the current state of health of the RAF but I have my suspicions and worries.

Issues of readiness, serviceability, training, capability and manpower could be areas of concern.

The Air Force has been through lean periods in its distinguished history; for example in the 1930s, when due to the rise of Nazi Germany, Britain had to play an urgent game of ‘catch up’.

Are there parallels with the present? Problem is, defence is just one item on the long list of big-spend commitments. Pity that in so many cases the UK doesn’t appear to have the calibre and stature of politician equipped to measure up to these challenges.

Derek Reed,

Middlethorpe Drive,

York