Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases

Parliament and Politics

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USA

Written Answers – 19 April 2016

Question:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on running costs for RAF (a) Menwith Hill, (b) Lakenheath and (c) Croughton in each of the last three years for which figures are available. (34618)

Tabled on: 19 April 2016

Answer:
Mark Lancaster:

The running costs for the Royal Air Force are:

	£ Million
	2013-14	2014-15	2015-16
Menwith Hill	4.3	4	4
Lakenheath	18.3	18	16.1
Croughton	8.1	8	7.5

The United States Visiting Forces reimburse the Royal Air Force for the vast majority of these expenses, with minor exceptions including travel and subsistence costs.

www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Commons/2016-04-19/34618

Defence Reform Bill

5 February 2014 debate in House of Lords concerning amendments to the Defence Review Bill.

Lords Amendments: Defence Reform Bill (22nd January 2014):
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/bills/lbill/2013-2014/0060/amend/am060-b.htm

Lords Hansard text for 05 Feb 2014:
www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201314/ldhansrd/text/140205-gc0001.htm#14020584000373

This is an interesting initiative and a start to bring accountability to the presence and activities of the US Visiting Forces and their secretive activities here.

UK-USA Mutual Defence Agreement

Commons Library Standard Note – Published 17 September 2014

Authors: Claire Mills
Topic: Arms control, Defence policy, International law, North America

The Agreement between the UK and the USA for Cooperation in the Uses of Atomic Energy for Mutual Defence Purposes 1958, also known as the Mutual Defence Agreement (MDA), allows the United States and the UK to exchange nuclear materials, technology and information. It was the result of an amendment to post-war US non-proliferation law, which exempted allies that had made substantial progress in developing nuclear weapons from the general ban on exchanges that might lead to nuclear proliferation.

The most important part of the MDA is time limited and is due to expire at the end of 2014. An amendment to the treaty, which will extend this deadline to 2024, must be ratified by both States and brought into force by the end of this year.

Critics argue that the MDA, as amended, contravenes the parties’ obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons 1968 (NPT).

Download the full report: www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/SN03147.pdf

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Hansard Written Answers – 19 December 2013

Tom Watson (West Bromwich East, Labour)

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 10 December 2013, Official Report, columns 197-8W, on unmanned air vehicles, if he will disclose details of the funding provided by the United States Visiting Forces (USVF) to meet their day-to-day activities at RAF Croughton and RAF Moleworth identified by reference to each (a) unit present, (b) activity carried out and (c) facility used by USVF.

Mark Francois (The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence; Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)

The United States Air Force 422nd Air Base Group at RAF Croughton has an annual budget in the region of £10.5 million to support its operations at the base. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not hold a breakdown of this figure.

Units at RAF Molesworth are supported by budgets from multiple commands including NATO, US European Command, US Africa Command and the US Air Forces in Europe. The MOD does not hold a breakdown of these budgets.

www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2013-12-19a.180546.h&s=unmanned#g180546.q0

Defence: RAF Croughton

House of Commons Written Answers: 8 Apr 2014

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions his Department has had with the United States Department of Defense (USDoD) in respect of the installation by BT of a special communications system to link RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire with the USDoD headquarters in Washington DC and the US Africa headquarters for unmanned aircraft operations in Djibouti.

Mr Francois: The installation of US communications systems at RAF Croughton is a matter for the United States visiting forces. No discussions have taken place in respect to the installation by BT of a special communications
system to link RAF Croughton with the Department of Defence headquarters in the US, and US forces in Djibouti.

www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm140408/text/140408w0002.htm#14040865000069

USA

Written Answers – 7 April 2014

Fabian Hamilton (Leeds North East, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the implications for the future of RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall of the Rand Corporation report on the posture triangle; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Francois (The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence; Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The US authorities are finalising a study into future US basing requirements in Europe, and no decisions have been taken in respect of RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall. No assessment of the Rand Corporation report has therefore been made.

www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm140407/text/140407w0004.htm#140407w0004.htm_wqn7

Military Bases

Written Answers – 7 April 2014

Fabian Hamilton (Leeds North East, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason the Defence Infrastructure Organisation will be inviting expressions of interest in a contract for provision of maintenance and repair services on all UK military sites used by US Visiting Forces; and who will be responsible for (a) deciding on the work which is to be carried out and (b) paying the contactors.

Dr Murrison: The UK Government has Treaty obligations for providing maintenance and repair services on United States Forces (USF) sites. Contracts to provide these services are periodically renewed by the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

Any work to be carried out is determined jointly between the MOD and USF.

The MOD is responsible for the payment process; however, USF provide the funding by repaying the MOD for the cost of maintenance and repair services and providing an additional 7.5% contribution towards Defence Infrastructure Organisation running costs.

www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm140407/text/140407w0004.htm#140407w0004.htm_wqn0

Defence: RAF Menwith Hill

Written Answers – 31 Mar 2014

Fabian Hamilton (Leeds North East, Labour)

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) US service personnel, (b) US civilians and contractors, (c) RAF personnel, (d) UK army personnel, (e) UK navy personnel, (f) UK civilians, (g) US military chaplains, (h) UK military chaplains and (i) UK contractors’ personnel were employed at RAF Menwith Hill in the latest period for which figures are available.

Mark Francois (The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence; Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)

The number of personnel at RAF Menwith Hill are given in the following table and are current as of 24 March 2014.

	Number
US Military	303
US Civilians and Contractors	748
Royal Air Force	3
Army	0
Royal Navy	6
UK Civilians	360
US Military Chaplains	2
UK Military Chaplains	0
UK Contractors	179

The number of police officers are not included in the figure for UK civilians, as the Department does not release the details of police officers at particular locations for security reasons.

www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2014-03-31a.192892.h&s=speaker%3A10256#g192892.q0

RAF Menwith Hill

Lords Hansard – December 11, 1012

Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat)

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Astor of Hever on 26 November (WA 272), whether the use of RAF Menwith Hill is still subject to a renewable security of tenure agreement; and, if so, when the agreement was last renewed and for how long.

Lord Astor of Hever The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (conservative)

The use of RAF Menwith Hill by the United States Visiting Forces is no longer subject to a renewable Security of Tenure Arrangement.

Citation: HL Deb, 11 December 2013, c128W

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Tom Watson (West Bromwich East, Labour)

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 10 December 2013, Official Report,columns 197-8W, on unmanned air vehicles, if he will disclose details of the funding provided by the United States Visiting Forces (USVF) to meet their day-to-day activities at RAF Croughton and RAF Moleworth identified by reference to each (a) unit present, (b) activity carried out and (c) facility used by USVF.

Mark Francois (The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence; Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)

Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 December 2013, c708W)

The MOD does not comment on whether there are personnel working in intelligence at specific locations

I have now been told by Fabian Hamilto’s researcher that ‘the Table Office said to me that the Department won’t accept any questions about US affairs, including personnel at Menwith Hill or other bases where US military personnel are stationed.’

Also Sue Miller (Baroness) asked this question in the Lords this week.

Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat)

My Lords, my noble friend mentioned how important accountability is but there is a very unfortunate issue here: Menwith Hill is Little America, albeit that it is in the north of England. Ever since 1994, Parliament has been asking for, but never receiving, any information about what goes on at Menwith Hill. I appreciate that there have been several visits by the ISC, although I gather that they were very uninformative. How can my noble friend imagine that that situation will become more accountable when that place is accountable only to the United States Government?

House of Lords 20 November, 2013:
www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201314/ldhansrd/text/131120-0001.htm#13112089000028

Military Bases: Air Force

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria are applied in deciding whether an air base is officially designated as an RAF base. [146487]

Mr Robathan: The RAF prefix has been given to locations at which an establishment for a Station HQ exists, or where RAF units are based. Once used, this designation is generally retained while the location remains administered by the RAF.

RAF bases that are made available to the United States Visiting Force remain UK sovereign territory and are supported by an RAF Commander. As such they continue to be designated as RAF bases.

11 Mar 2013: Column 78W

Chagos Islands

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to enable Chagossians to return to the Chagos Islands. [145896]

Mark Simmonds: The European Court of Human Rights decision in December gives us the chance to take stock of our policy on the British Indian Ocean Territory. We will be as positive as possible in our engagement with Chagossian groups and all interested parties, but we should be clear there are fundamental difficulties with resettlement.

5 Mar 2013 : Column 905W

Military Bases: Bye Laws

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many prosecutions have been brought following breaches of the military land byelaws on the US bases at (a) Menwith Hill, (b) Lakenheath, (c) Molesworth and (e) RAF Fylingdales since 2011; and how many such prosecutions have been successful. [145566]

Mr Robathan: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, my right hon. Friend the Member for Rayleigh and Wickford (Mr Francois), on 12 February 2013, Official Report, column 633W.

RAF Menwith Hill

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the two space-based infra-red system radomes at the American base at NSA Menwith Hill became operational. [145565]

Mr Robathan: The space-based infra-red system at RAF Menwith Hill achieved operational status during 2011.

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost was to Ministry of Defence police of patrolling the American base at NSA Menwith Hill between 2000 and 2012. [145647]

Mr Robathan: I am withholding the cost of the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) deployed at RAF Menwith Hill for the purpose of safeguarding national security, since it would indicate the strength of the MDP presence and prejudice national security.

5 Mar 2013 : Column 915W

RAF Menwith Hill

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people were stopped and searched by the Counter Terrorist Unit at NSA Menwith Hill between 2000 and 2012; and for what reasons such people were stopped and searched. [145638]

James Brokenshire: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Home Department.

Data on the main stop and search powers used by police in England and Wales are published by the Home Office on an annual basis in the National Statistics series ‘Police Powers and Procedures’ and are only provided at police force area. Latest published data cover the period up to the financial year 2010-11 and are included in the latest internet-only release, which is available via:

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/science-research-statistics/research-statistics/police-research/police-powers-procedures-201011/

Provisional data for 2011-12 on searches under S44/47A of the Terrorism Act 2000, are also published as a part of the Official Statistics series ‘Operation of police powers under the Terrorism Act 2000 and subsequent legislation: Arrests, outcomes and stop and searches Great Britain 2011-12’. Latest published data are for 2011-12 and are included in the latest internet-only release, which is available via:

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/science-research-statistics/research-statistics/counter-terrorism-statistics/hosb1112/

Data published in these releases are broken down to police force area level only, therefore from centrally reported data it is not possible to determine the number of persons stopped and searched at specific locations within police force areas.

Available data relating to the number of searches of persons under section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000, to determine whether a person is carrying articles of a kind which could be used in connection with terrorism in the North Yorkshire police force area, where Menwith Hill is located, are provided in the following table. It is not possible to determine the exact number of these searches conducted at specific locations from information held centrally.

Stops and searches of persons under section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000(1) in North Yorkshire police force area 2000-01 to 2011-12:

Year	Number of stops and searches
2000-01	–
2001-02	8
2002-03	110
2003-04	68
2004-05	195
2005-06	222
2006-07	206
2007-08	216
2008-09	167
2009-10	154
2010-11	29
2011-12	—

⁽¹⁾ Searches to determine whether a person is carrying articles of a kind which could be used in connection with terrorism.

6 Mar 2013 : Column 1098W

Military Bases: USA

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Ministry of Defence police are based at the US bases at (a) Menwith Hill, (b) Lakenheath, (c) Mildenhall, (d) Molesworth, (e) RAF Fylingdales, (f) Alconbury and (g) Fairford. [145823]

Mr Francois: I am withholding the numbers of the Ministry of Defence police (MDP) deployed at RAF Menwith Hill, RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Molesworth, RAF Fylingdales, RAF Alconbury and RAF Fairford for the purpose of safeguarding national security since it would indicate the strength of the MDP presence at each base and this could potentially prejudice their security.

Military Police

Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Ministry of Defence (MOD) police serve at each MOD establishment. [146658]

Mr Francois: I am withholding the numbers of Ministry of Defence police (MDP) officers deployed at Ministry of Defence establishments for the purpose of safeguarding national security.

7 Mar 2013 : Column 1128W

Military Bases: Air Force

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria are applied in deciding whether an air base is officially designated as an RAF base. [146487]

RAF bases that are made available to the United States Visiting Force remain UK sovereign territory and are supported by an RAF Commander. As such they continue to be designated as RAF bases.

11 Mar 2013 : Column 78W

Military Police

Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many members of the Ministry of Defence Police were stationed at each service manned quarters in the UK in each year since 2005; and how many police will be stationed at each such site in each of the next three years; [147410]

⁽²⁾ how many members of Ministry of Defence Police are employed to protect the UK’s nuclear deterrent; [147411]

⁽³⁾ how many members of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Police have been stationed at MoD Faslane and Coulport since 2005; and how many such police are projected to be stationed at those sites in (a) 2013, (b) 2014 and (c) 2015. [147412]

Mr Francois: I am withholding the numbers of Ministry of Defence Police stationed at these sites for the purpose of safeguarding national security

12 Mar 2013 : Column 162W

Ministry of Defence Police and Guarding Agency

Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the instructor to student ratio is for members of the Ministry of Defence police; and what estimate he has made of the likely change in the ratio in each of the next five years. [149253]

Mr Francois: The instructor to student ratio for members of the Ministry of Defence police varies according to the type of training being delivered. Therefore the ratio in each of the next five years will be determined by the category and frequency of training delivered.

Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the Ministry of Defence Police Criminal Investigation Department have (a) been made redundant and (b) been moved to other posts within his Department in the last 12 months. [149254]

Mr Francois: Since 1 April 2012 in the Ministry of Defence Police Criminal Investigation Department there have been no redundancies and three members have moved to other posts within the Ministry of Defence Police.

Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many staff were employed by the Ministry of Defence Police Criminal Investigation Department in (a) May 2010 and (b) March 2013. [149255]

Mr Francois: The Ministry of Defence Police Criminal Investigation Department employed 205 police and civilian staff as at 1 May 2010. There were 154 police and civilian staff employed as at 1 March 2013.

Gemma Doyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the statement of 27 March 2012, Official Report, column 116WS, on Defence, Police and Guarding Agency, when he will report to Parliament the results of the consultation on the future of the Ministry of Defence police. [149728]

25 Mar 2013 : Column 936W

12 February 2013

Fabian Hamilton (Leeds North East, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the last time a prosecution was brought using the military land byelaws on the US bases (a) Menwith Hill, (b) Lakenheath, (c) Mildenhall, (d) Molesworth and (e) RAF Fylingdales; and when the last successful prosecution was in each such case.

Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The information in the following table reflects the data held by the Ministry of Defence police:

Station	Last time prosecution brought	Successful prosecutions
Menwith Hill	*1	0
Lakenheath	0	n/a
Mildenhall	0	n/a
Molesworth	0	n/a
RAF Fylingdales	0	n/a

* In 2003

The data has been collated from the Ministry of Defence Police Crime and Intelligence recording system which dates back to 1999.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 12 February 2013, c632W)

Fabian Hamilton (Leeds North East, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons military land byelaws are being introduced at the American base at RAF Croughton; and what assessment he has made of the use of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 as an alternative to such byelaws.

Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
Military land byelaws are proposed to be introduced at RAF Croughton to enable controlled public access to military land, where access would otherwise not be permitted due to safety and security concerns. Croughton is already a designated site under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005, but this prohibits all public access to the designated area and is designed to protect the site against criminal trespass.

The proposed byelaws will dovetail with the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act designation to provide layered protection for the site while allowing access under controlled conditions.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 12 February 2013, c633W)

Fabian Hamilton (Leeds North East, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the annual cost is to his Department of the Military Land Byelaws Review Team; how many people are employed in this team; and what the qualifications are of each such staff member.

Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation Byelaws Review Team consists of five staff at an annual cost of £160,000. There are no specific qualifications required for these positions. The team are additionally supported by Ministry of Defence legal advisers.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 12 February 2013, c637W)

30 January 2013
RAF Menwith Hill

Q: Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he plans to visit NSA Menwith Hill in 2013. [139660]

A: Mr Philip Hammond: For security reasons, the Ministry of Defence does not routinely publicise any of my visits in advance.

29 January
RAF Molesworth

Q: Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with his US counterpart concerning the (a) Joint Analysis Center at RAF Molesworth and (b) involvement of the US African Command in this base. [139666]

A: Mr Robathan: The Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), has not recently held discussions with US officials regarding the Joint Analysis Centre at RAF Molesworth or the involvement of US Africa Command at the base.

17 September 2012

Fabian Hamilton (Leeds North East, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has had discussions with his US counterpart on military action in Iran.

Philip Hammond (Runnymede and Weybridge, Conservative)
holding answer 12 September 2012

I regularly discuss a range of security issues with my United States counterparts; however the UK continues to work with the US and other countries to achieve a diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), on 20 February 2012, Hansard, column 654, in which he said that we wish to see a peaceful, negotiated diplomatic settlement to the Iranian nuclear crisis, by which Iran gives the world confidence that it is not developing and will not develop nuclear weapons. All our efforts are devoted towards such a peaceful resolution through a twin track strategy of engagement and pressure, although we are clear that all options for addressing the issue remain on the table.

13 Sept 2012
Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with (a) the US military and (b) other US authorities on military intervention in Syria using (i) USAF Lakenheath and (b) other US bases in the UK; and whether the UK must give permission for the bases to be used for such purposes. [120317]
Mr Robathan: The United Kingdom continues to work with other countries to achieve a diplomatic solution to the situation in Syria. The Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), has not had any specific discussions with the US military or other US authorities on the use of USAF Lakenheath or other US bases in the UK for military intervention in Syria. He has, however, discussed the situation in Syria with US counterparts in the course of normal ministerial business.

12 Sep 2012
RAF Menwith Hill
Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether RAF Menwith Hill plays a role in the planning and deployment of drones in (a) Afghanistan, (b) Pakistan, (c) Yemen and (d) Somalia. [120438]
Mr Robathan: For operational and security reasons we do not comment on the specific activities carried out at RAF Menwith Hill.

11 Sep 2012
Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy that any plans to intervene in (a) Syria and (b) other countries with military action involving (i) USAF Lakenheath and (ii) other US bases in the UK will be brought before hon. Members for debate and decision. [120318]
Mr Robathan: The potential use of bases in the United Kingdom by United States forces would be a matter for joint decision by the two Governments in light of the circumstances prevailing at the time.

27 Mar 2012
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to achieve interim (a) missile defence capability and (b) alert capability of a missile attack. [95358]
Nick Harvey: The UK has no indigenous ballistic missile defence capability. However, we are party to the decisions made at the NATO Lisbon summit in November 2010 and the NATO Ballistic Missile Defence Action Plan as approved by NATO Defence Ministers in June 2011. I anticipate that the implementation of NATO’s Ballistic Missile Defence capability will be assessed at the forthcoming Chicago summit in May.
The ballistic missile early warning capability at RAF Fylingdales has been fully operational since 1963.

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether members of the Intelligence and Security Committee are given full access by the US authorities to (a) the inner Operations area, (b) other parts of the Operations area and (c) other areas of NSA Menwith Hill. [101738]
Nick Harvey: The Intelligence and Security Committee does not comment on the details of its work programme. Where appropriate it publishes information on visits it has undertaken in its annual reports.
Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when members of (a) the Intelligence and Security Committee, (b) the Joint Intelligence Committee, (c) the Assessment Staff, (d) the Intelligence, Security and Resilience Group, (e) the Defence Intelligence Staff, (f) the Joint Intelligence Organisation, (g) the National Security Secretariat in the Cabinet Office, Defence Intelligence in the Ministry of Defence and the Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism in the Home Office last visited NSA Menwith Hill; and what the (i) names of the visitors and (ii) dates of the visits were. [101739]
Nick Harvey: We do not comment on the work programme of the Intelligence and Security Committee. Where appropriate the Committee publishes information on visits it has undertaken in its annual reports.
We do not comment on the detailed day to day workings of members of intelligence organisations.

6 Mar 2012
Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether (a) the Government, (b) Ministers in his Department and (c) his officials were notified of the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe treaty inspection exercise at USAF Lakenheath on 1 March 2012; whether there was a UK monitoring presence during the inspection; what buildings and sites were inspected; and what the outcome was of the inspection.
Nick Harvey: The Joint Arms Control Implementation Group, part of the UK armed forces, were notified of the inspection exercise and acted as a monitoring presence. As the inspection exercise was routine, Defence Ministers were not informed.
The training encompassed a number of buildings within RAF Lakenheath that might be subject to inspection under the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe treaty. The exercise was assessed as highly effective by both US and UK participants.
Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has been informed of the types of US weapons stored or deployed at USAF Lakenheath. [98053]
Nick Harvey: The United States Visiting Force inventory of weapons in the UK is declared annually to the Ministry of Defence who ensure all weapons are appropriately licensed and stored.
Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy to seek the approval of Parliament before allowing the use of US bases in the UK by the (a) US Administration and (b) governments of other countries to launch military strikes against targets in Iran. [97777]
Nick Harvey: The UK continues to work with other countries to achieve a diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. We want a negotiated solution, not a military one, but all options should be kept open.
The potential use by US forces of bases in the UK would be a matter for joint decision by the two Governments in light of the circumstances prevailing at the time. The Government have made clear in the Cabinet Manual their intention to abide by the convention that before the commitment of UK forces to military action, Parliament should have an opportunity to debate the matter.

10 Jan 2012
Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish his Department’s policy on the provision of intelligence to facilitate attacks by drone aircraft. [87949]
Alistair Burt: We do not comment on intelligence matters. All activity, whether in support of UK or allied forces, is authorised and in strict accordance with UK policy and law.
Drone strikes are a matter for the US and Pakistan. Both are key allies, who are facing a shared and dangerous threat from violent extremists who also threaten the UK. There is a need for effective action, and for Pakistani ownership of the fight against violent extremism. It is important that Pakistan and the international community continue to work together to combat this common threat, and we expect all concerned to act in accordance with international humanitarian and human rights law.

8 Nov 2011
Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information his Department holds on the number of US personnel stationed at Menwith Hill. [77621]
Nick Harvey: There are 1,200 US personnel stationed at RAF Menwith Hill. This figure is comprised of the following groups:
US military: 450
US civilians: 400
US contractors: 350.

Written Answers to Questions – Tuesday 27 March 2012

RAF Menwith Hill

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who pays for the operation of the Menwith Hill shuttle bus that runs between NSA Menwith Hill and Harrogate. [101740]

Nick Harvey: The shuttle bus that runs between Harrogate and RAF Menwith Hill is funded by the US authorities.

Intelligence and Security Committee

Nick Harvey: The Intelligence and Security Committee does not comment on the details of its work programme. Where appropriate it publishes information on visits it has undertaken in its annual reports.

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when members of (a) the Intelligence and Security Committee, (b) the Joint Intelligence Committee, (c) the Assessment Staff, (d) the Intelligence, Security and Resilience Group, (e) the Defence Intelligence Staff, (f) the Joint Intelligence Organisation, (g) the National Security Secretariat in the Cabinet Office, (h) Defence Intelligence in the Ministry of Defence and (i) the Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism in the Home Office last visited NSA Menwith Hill; and what the (i) names of the visitors and (ii) dates of the visits were. [101739]

Nick Harvey: We do not comment on the work programme of the Intelligence and Security Committee. Where appropriate the Committee publishes information on visits it has undertaken in its annual reports.

We do not comment on the detailed day to day workings of members of intelligence organisations.

Written Answers to Questions – Tuesday 6 March 2012

Iran: Military Intervention

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy to seek the approval of Parliament before allowing the use of US bases in the UK by the (a) US Administration and (b) governments of other countries to launch military strikes against targets in Iran. [97777]

Nick Harvey: The UK continues to work with other countries to achieve a diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. We want a negotiated solution, not a military one, but all options should be kept open.

The potential use by US forces of bases in the UK would be a matter for joint decision by the two Governments in light of the circumstances prevailing at the time. The Government have made clear in the Cabinet Manual their intention to abide by the convention that before the commitment of UK forces to military action, Parliament should have an opportunity to debate the matter.

USAF Lakenheath

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether (a) the Government, (b) Ministers in his Department and (c) his officials were notified of the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe treaty inspection exercise at USAF Lakenheath on 1 March 2012; whether there was a UK monitoring presence during the inspection; what buildings and sites were inspected; and what the outcome was of the inspection. [98052]

Nick Harvey: The Joint Arms Control Implementation Group, part of the UK armed forces, were notified of the inspection exercise and acted as a monitoring presence. As the inspection exercise was routine, Defence Ministers were not informed.

The training encompassed a number of buildings within RAF Lakenheath that might be subject to inspection under the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe treaty. The exercise was assessed as highly effective by both US and UK participants.

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has been informed of the types of US weapons stored or deployed at USAF Lakenheath. [98053]

Nick Harvey: The United States Visiting Force inventory of weapons in the UK is declared annually to the Ministry of Defence who ensure all weapons are appropriately licensed and stored.

US Military presonnel based in the UK make use of the NHS

House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for October 25, 2011

NHS: Foreign Nationals

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether US military personnel based in the UK make use of the national health service.

Mr Simon Burns: US military personnel are able to make use of the national health service, although our understanding is that US forces primarily make use of private health care services.

Generally, overseas visitors to the United Kingdom are chargeable for NHS hospital treatment unless an exemption applies to them under the NHS (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations 2011. There is an exemption for those who are serving with the armed forces of a country which is part of NATO when the necessary services cannot readily be provided by the armed forces of the overseas visitor’s own country or those of the UK. The spouse/civil partner and dependent children of such a person are also exempt in this way.

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm111025/text/111025w0003.htm#1110263000023

House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for July 6, 2011

RAF Menwith Hill: Manpower

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many UK national (a) full-time employees and (b) full-time equivalent employees there were at Menwith Hill on the most recent date for which figures are available; and in what capacity they are employed. [63659]

Nick Harvey: As of 30 June 2011 the following number of UK nationals were employed at RAF Menwith Hill:

	Number
Ministry of Defence	389
Ministry of Defence Police and Guarding Agency	165
UK Contractors full-time	54
UK Contractors part-time	24

I am withholding further information in the interests of national security.

House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for July 11, 2011

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 7 June 2011, Official Report, column 21W, on military bases, what (1) monetary values were given to (a) the salaries of US and UK personnel, (b) the cost of construction projects, (c) utilities, (d) local supply purchases, (e) visitor lodging, (f) meals and incidentals and (g) other elements considered in the local economic impact assessment of RAF Menwith Hill; [63660]

11 July 2011 : Column 50W

(2) calculation was made to arrive at the overall figure for the economic impact at RAF Menwith Hill. [63661]

Mr Robathan: The following table shows the monetary value given to each category upon which the overall economic assessment was based; a conversion rate of $1.6943 equals £1 was used.

£ million
	Financial year
	2010	2011
US Salaries	84.6	86.2
UK Salaries	29	29.7
Construction	32.8	9.1
Utilities	5.5	6.7
Local Supplies	5.5	5.6
Visitors1	6.1	6.4
Total	163.5	143.7
^{(1 )}Totals are based on the standard daily allowance rate.

US authorities at RAF Menwith Hill calculate the overall figure for the economic impact of the establishment was based on the salaries of US and UK personnel, construction costs, payments for utilities, local supplies and visitors.

House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 2 March 2011

Ballistic Missile Defence: Costs

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the cost to the UK of the NATO share of the contribution to the US missile defence system. [42436]

Mr Gerald Howarth: In November 2010 Alliance members agreed that they would develop a NATO ballistic missile defence capability, of which the US missile defence system will form an important part. The cost of developing the NATO system is estimated to be between €864-928 million over 10 years. The UK currently contributes 11.5% to the NATO security investment programme, from which this capability is funded.

House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for June 16, 2011

Ministry of Defence Police and Guarding Agency: Manpower

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the number of (a) police officers and (b) staff in the Ministry of Defence police in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012, (iv) 2013 and (v) 2014. [60173]

Mr Robathan: The number of Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) officers (strength) were as follows:

1 April 2010: 3,457

1 April 2011: 3,302

The number of non-uniformed civilian staff supporting the wider Ministry of Defence Police and Guarding Agency, were as follows:

1 April 2010: 439

1 April 2011: 409

Consideration is being given to future staff numbers in the context of a wider examination of Defence support costs.

16 Jun 2011 : Column 942W

House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for June 7, 2011

Space Technology: Surveillance

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the GEO-1 satellite will provide data to RAF Menwith Hill. [57166]

Nick Harvey: RAF Menwith Hill acts purely as a communications relay for GEO-1 satellite data. The data are not utilised on site.

Military Bases

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 15 November 2010, Official Report, column 562W, on military bases, who carried out the assessment of the local economic impact of RAF Menwith Hill; and what methodology was used. [57168]

Nick Harvey: The local economic impact assessment of RAF Menwith Hill was carried out by the US authorities, and included the salaries of US and UK personnel as well as the cost of construction projects, utilities, local supply purchases, and visitor lodging, meals and incidentals.

Ballistic Missile Defence

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether RAF Menwith Hill is playing an operational role in US ballistic missile defence. [57245]

Nick Harvey: The only role RAF Menwith Hill plays in US ballistic missile defence is to route satellite early warning data to the US ballistic missile defence command and control system.

http://services.parliament.uk/hansard/Commons/ByDate/20110607/writtenanswers/part003.html

Military Police: Deployment

Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence at which sites Ministry of Defence Police are deployed; and what the responsibilities are of the personnel at each site. [57590]

Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) are the UK’s only truly national police force, covering the four constituent parts of the country. The force’s main responsibilities are to protect the personnel, resources and property of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) through the use of a variety of policing methods. These include community policing, armed guarding, specialist firearms units, nuclear escorts on land and sea, operational support units, the UK’s largest marine policing capability, public order policing, criminal investigation including fraud and intelligence.

The use of the above functions varies from site to site in accordance with local requirements and the associated risk/threat. Sites covered include selected naval bases, garrisons, Atomic Weapons Establishments, US Visiting Forces sites, and non-MOD locations.

MDP officers may also volunteer for overseas duties in support of UK missions. They provide specialist training, support, monitoring and mentoring to local law enforcement and government agencies.

Stations by Division (Excluding CID and Defence Community Police Officers)

Scotland

1. Clyde

2. Clyde Marine Unit

3. Coulport

4. Beith

5. Crombie

6. Glen Douglas

7. Aberdeen Gas Compressor Site

7 Jun 2011 : Column 22W

8. St Fergus

9. Caledonia

10. Vulcan

North-East

1. Alconbury

2. Croughton

3. Fylingdales

4. Menwith Hill

5. Mildenhall

6. Easington

7. Bacton

8. MDPHQ Operational Detachment (Under Command of Operational Support MDPHQ)

AWE

1. Aldermaston

2. Burghfield

3. Special Escort Group

South-East

1. Beaconsfield

2. Bicester

3. Bordon

4. Fort Halstead

5. Fort Blockhouse

6. Gosport

7. Marchwood

8. Oakhanger

9. Portsmouth

10. Regents Park

11. Shrivenham

12. Whitehall

Western

1. Abbey Wood

2. Boscombe Down

3. Corsham

4. Culdrose

5. Dartmouth

6. Devonport

7. Donnington

8. Fairford

9. Hereford

10. Kineton

11. Llantrisant

12. Porton Down

13. Winterbourne Gunner

14. Yeovilton

Criminal Investigation Departments (CID)

1. Rosyth (based at HMS Caledonia)

2. Glasgow

3. Clyde

4. Northern Ireland (Palace Barracks)

5. Catterick Garrison

6. York (Imphal Barracks)

7. Stafford

8. St. Athan

9. Bicester

10. Northolt

11. Aldermaston

12. Foxhill

13. Larkhill

7 Jun 2011 : Column 23W

14. Portsmouth

15. Gosport

16. Bordon

17. Devonport

18. Aldershot Garrison

Defence Community Police Officers by Division

Scotland

1. Aldergrove

2. Abercorn Barracks (Ballykinler)

3. Churchill Estate (Clyde)

4. Condor

5. Edinburgh

6. Inverness

7. Glencorse Barracks

8. Palace Barracks

North-East

1. Albemarle Barracks

2. Bassingbourn Barracks

3. Chester

4. Colchester

5. Coningsby

6. Croughton

7. Harrogate

8. Mildenhall

9. Leconfield

10. Leeming

11. Menwith Hill

12. Preston

13. Wattisham

14. Wittering

15. York

South-East

1. Aldershot

2. Andover

3. Arborfield

4. Benson

5. Bicester

6. Brize Norton

7. Chatham

8. Deepcut

9. Halton

10. London

11. Marchwood

12. Sandhurst

13. Shorncliffe

14. Winchester

Western

1. Abbey Wood

2. Blandford

3. Bovington

4. Bramcote

5. Brecon

6. Bulford

7. Corsham

8. Devonport

9. Donnington

10. Hereford

11. Innsworth

7 Jun 2011 : Column 24W

12. Larkhill

13. Lichfield

14. Lyneham

15. Poole

16. Raleigh

17. St. Athan

18. Salisbury Plain

19. Stafford

20. Tidworth

21. Tern Hill

22. Yeovilton

23. Valley

24. Warminster

25. Wilton

House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for May 12, 2011

Menwith Hill

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which companies with headquarters in (a) the UK and (b) the US have received contracts for over £50,000 for work at Menwith Hill in each year since 2008-09. [55029]

Nick Harvey: Companies who have received contracts for works in excess of £50,000 at RAF Menwith Hill in each year since 2008-09 are shown in the following tables.

UK Contractors
Contractor	Years
Carillion PLC	2008	2009	2010	2011
Alfred McAlpine Building Services	2008
Balfour Beatty Engineering Services Limited			2010	2011
Haden Young Limited	2008	2009	2010	2011
Mott McDonald	2008	2009	2010	2011
Scott Wilson	2008	2009	2010	2011
URS			2010	2011
Walter Thompson	2008
Shaylor Construction	2008
Britcon Limited	2008	2009
SGW Construction		2009
Paragon	2008
Wrekin Construction	2008	2009
T Clarke (Electrical)	2008	2009	2010	2011
Nomenca				2011
Ove Arup	2008	2009
Northern Electric Distribution Limited			2010	2011
WYG		2009	2010	2011
IUS		2009
AECOM			2010	2011
Landscape Solutions	2008	2009	2010	2011
DSM Demolition Limited	2008	2009	2010	2011

US Contractors
Contractor	Years
Northrup Grumman	2008	2009	2010
Lockheed Martin	2008	2009	2010	2011
ECC			2010	2011

Details of all new central Government contracts are now available online at:
www.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk

House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for March 22, 2011

Ministry of Defence Police and Guarding Agency

Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what level of customer satisfaction was most recently recorded by his Department in respect of Ministry of Defence Police in defence community police officer roles. [48031]

Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence Police customer satisfaction survey 2010 recorded a satisfaction rate of 92.3% for Defence community police officers.

Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the budget for the Ministry of Defence Police and Guarding Agency functions is in respect of (a) defence business continuity, (b) defensive armed policing, (c) uniformed policing, (d) guarding and (e) crime investigation in each of the last five years. [48032]

Mr Robathan: The following table provides the budget for the identified Ministry of Defence Police and Guarding Agency functions for the last five financial years:

£ million
	Defence Business Continuity	Defensive Armed Policing	Uniformed Policing	Guarding	Crime Investigation
2006-07	⁽¹⁾—	86.000	3.300	103.300	8.800
2007-08	10.309	60.252	1.893	117.114	10.776
2008-09	11.181	63.311	2.197	118.095	11.115
2009-10	11.258	62.747	2.212	117.950	11.191
2010-11	8.998	54.072	4.485	98.511	11.132
⁽¹⁾ Not recorded

22 Mar 2011 : Column 947W

House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 7^th March 2011

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date his Department reached agreement with the US administration on freehold arrangements affecting (a) buildings, (b) fixed assets and infrastructure and (c) the site at Menwith Hill. [44650]

Mr Robathan: Arrangements covering the freehold of buildings, fixed assets and infrastructure at all United States Visiting Force (USVF) sites, including RAF Menwith

7 Mar 2011 : Column 812W

Hill, are covered in the UK/US Cost Sharing Arrangement (CSA) dated 1973. This document updated the initial CSA from 1953. The Ministry of Defence has made the site at RAF Menwith Hill available to the USVF since 1960.

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 4 February 2011, Official Report, column 990W, on USA: military bases, what the location is of each area on United States Visiting Forces bases which is held on a leasehold basis. [44651]

Mr Robathan: The following table details the areas at the United States Visiting Force bases which are held on a leasehold basis:

	Area	Total Hectares
RAF Croughton	Pumping Station (3 separate areas)	0.01
		0.01
		0.059

RAF Fairford	Landing Lights	0.041

RAF Lakenheath	Vehicle Holding Area	1.28
	Leased Area of Lords Walk	0.908

RAF Mildenhall	Waterworks Access	0.074

House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for March 2, 2011

Ballistic Missile Defence: Costs

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the cost to the UK of the NATO share of the contribution to the US missile defence system. [42436]

Mr Gerald Howarth: In November 2010 Alliance members agreed that they would develop a NATO Ballistic Missile Defence capability, of which the US missile defence system will form an important part. The cost of developing the NATO system is estimated to be between €864-928 million over 10 years. The UK currently contributes 11.5% to the NATO Security Investment Programme, from which this capability is funded.

2 Mar 2011 : Column 455W

House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 10 Feb 2011

Air Force: Military Bases

Sir Menzies Campbell

: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which RAF bases have listed buildings and scheduled monuments within their grounds. [39226]

Mr Robathan: The following RAF bases have listed buildings and/or scheduled monuments within their grounds: RAF Benson, RAF Bentley Priory, RAF Brampton, RAF Cosford, RAF Cranwell, RAF Halton, RAF Henlow, RAF High Wycombe, RAF Honington, RAF Leuchars, RAF Lossiemouth, RAF Lyneham, RAF Neatishead, RAF Northolt, RAF Scampton, RAF Spadeadam and RAF Valley.

Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which RAF bases in the UK are on (a) owned land, (b) leased land and (c) land with legal rights; and what the annual land cost is in each case. [39227]

Mr Robathan: The status of RAF bases in the UK for owned land, leased land or land with legal rights and annual land costs, are shown in the following table:
10 Feb 2011 : Column 383W

10 Feb 2011 : Column 384W

	Type of land holding	Annual land cost (£ per annum)
RAF Benson	Freehold	0
RAF Boulmer	Part Freehold-Part Leasehold	20,000
RAF Brampton/Wyton/Henlow	Freehold	0
RAF Brize Norton	Freehold	0
RAF Coningsby	Freehold	0
RAF Cottesmore	Freehold	0
RAF Cosford	Freehold	0
RAF Cranwell	Freehold	0
RAF Fylingdales	Freehold	0
RAF Halton	Freehold	0
RAF High Wycombe	Part Freehold-Part Leasehold	0
RAF Honington	Freehold	0
RAF Kinloss	Freehold	4,615
RAF Leeming	Freehold	0
RAF Leuchars	Freehold	150
RAF Linton on Ouse	Freehold	0
RAF Lossiemouth	Freehold	179,600
RAF Lyneham	Freehold	0
RAF Marham	Freehold	0
RAF Northolt	Freehold	0
RAF Odiham	Freehold	0
RAF Shawbury	Freehold	16,800
RAF Spadeadam	Leasehold	1,000
RAF St Mawgan	Freehold	0
RAF Valley	Freehold	2,100
RAF Waddington	Freehold	0
RAF Wittering	Freehold	0

House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 20 Jan 2011

Defence

Air Force: Military Bases

Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has spent on redevelopment at each RAF base in the UK in each of the last five years; and what estimate he has made of likely expenditure on work classified as redevelopment in each of the next five years. [27575]

Mr Robathan: The expenditure on redevelopment, defined as capital expenditure and minor new works, for the major RAF stations in the UK since financial year 2006-07 is shown in the following table:

Expenditure by station
£ million
	2006-07	2007-08	2008-09	2009-10
RAF Benson	0.6	2	1	2.2
RAF Boulmer	0.2	0	0.1	0.8
RAF Brampton/Wyton/Henlow	0	0.2	3.2	1
RAF Brize Norton	8.1	13.4	31	14.3
RAF Coningsby	0	0	19	0
RAF Cottesmore	4	0.4	1.7	0.9
RAF Cosford	1.3	0.1	0.6	12
RAF Cranwell	0	0.8	2.7	2.6
RAF Fylingdales	0.1	0	0.2	0
RAF Halton	0.1	0.2	1.1	1
RAF High Wycombe	7.2	2.4	3	3.2
RAF Honington	1.5	0.2	6.8	8.7
RAF Kinloss	–	–	–	–
RAF Leeming	0.1	1.4	13.1	0
RAF Leuchars	–	–	–	–
RAF Linton on Ouse	6.4	0.5	7.6	1.1
RAF Lossiemouth	–	–	–	–
RAF Lyneham	2.2	0.9	1.6	2.2
RAF Marham	2.5	0	6	0
RAF Northolt	0.3	0.6	1.2	0.5
RAF Odiham	3.0	3.0	3.6	4.7
RAF Shawbury	0.3	0	0.5	0.8
RAF Spadeadam	0	0	0.1	0.2
RAF St Mawgan	0.08	0.2	0.4	0.4
RAF Valley	1	19.1	14.5	1.4
RAF Waddington	0	0.2	17.3	13
RAF Wittering	0	0.2	0.5	4

Information for the financial year 2005-06 is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Data for RAF stations in Scotland are not currently available and I will write to the right hon. and learned Member with the information requested.

The Ministry of Defence is in the process of completing its annual planning round which will allocate future programme budgets. This is expected to conclude in early 2011.
20 Jan 2011 : Column 903W

Substantive answer from Mr Andrew Robathan to Sir Menzies Campbell:

In my answer of 7 December 2010, Official Report, column 221W, I undertook to write to you with data on the expenditure
20 Jan 2011 : Column 904W
on redevelopment (defined as capital expenditure and minor new works) for RAF stations in Scotland since financial year 2006-07. This data is shown in the following table:

Expenditure by station
£ million
	Financial year
	2006-08	2007-08	2008-09	2009-10
RAF Kinloss	5.3	3.9	1.9	1.8
RAF Leuchars	4.7	20.2	5.6	9.4
RAF Lossiemouth	5.6	1.8	4.5	6.1

Information prior to the financial year 2005-06 is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Some of the expenditure has been split between individual financial years on an estimated basis.

The Ministry of Defence is in the process of completing its annual planning round which will allocate future programme budgets. This is expected to conclude in early 2011.

House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for December 7, 2010

RAF Welford

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what powers the unarmed guards assigned to duties at the US base at RAF Welford have. [28506]

Mr Robathan: All Ministry of Defence (MOD) Guard Service personnel have the power to make a citizen’s arrest.

In addition to this, MOD Guard Service at RAF Welford also have a power of arrest as a crown servant under the RAF Welford bye-laws. These are authorised by the appropriate authority, who in this case is the RAF Station Commander at Welford.

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost to the public purse is of the security enhancement to the US base at RAF Welford; and from which budget the expenditure was drawn. [28507]

Mr Robathan: RAF Welford is made available to the United States Visiting Force (USVF) under the NATO Status of Forces Agreement of 1951. The cost of the physical security enhancements made at the base was therefore met by the United States Air Force at no cost to the public purse.

Military Exercises: RAF Welford

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the multi-agency response to a fictitious scenario planned for the US base at RAF Welford will take place; and what agencies will be involved. [28505]

Mr Robathan: A table top exercise to test the interoperability of UK and US policing and security forces at United States Visiting Force (USVF) bases was held on 7-8 September 2010.

The exercise was attended by representatives from the following agencies: the Ministry of Defence (MOD) (including the MOD Police and Guarding Agency), the Home Office, the Royal Air Force, the United States Air Force, and five Home Department Police Forces.

House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 15 Nov 2010

Military Bases

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make an assessment of the effects on the local economy of the US base at RAF Menwith Hill; and if he will make a statement. [23659]

Nick Harvey: The most recent assessment of the local economic impact of RAF Menwith Hill estimated that the Base contributes in the order of £130 million per year to the local economy.

Operation Phoenix

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make an assessment of the purposes of Operation Phoenix activities at the US base at RAF Menwith Hill. [23657]

Nick Harvey: Project Phoenix is the name given to the demolition and replacement of one of the original operations buildings at RAF Menwith Hill. Construction works are estimated to be completed by June 2011.

House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 4 Nov 2010

Ballistic Missile Defence

Mr Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which military bases in the UK (a) form part of and (b) provide support services for the US Missile Defense System; what support for the system is provided in each case; and if he will make a statement. [21161]

Nick Harvey: The UK provides support to the US Ballistic Missile Defense system by sharing radar early warning information from RAF

Fylingdales and by allowing the US to use a ground station at RAF Menwith Hill to receive satellite early warning information. This information is routed into the US Ballistic Missile Defense

RAF Menwith Hill

Mr Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his most recent estimate is of the cost of Operation Phoenix at RAF Menwith Hill; and who bears the cost of that operation.

Nick Harvey: The works associated with Project Phoenix at RAF Menwith Hill are funded by the US authorities. The most recent estimate of the cost is some £52 million, which includes £39.5 million of enabling works.

House of Commons Hansard. Written Answers for 24 July 2010.

House of Commons Hansard. Written Answers for 6 Sept 2010

RAF Menwith Hill

Mr Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost has been of patrolling the Counter-Terrorist Unit at RAF Menwith Hill in each year since 2001. [11873]

Nick Harvey: External policing at RAF Menwith Hill is provided by North Yorkshire Police and the Ministry of Defence Police. It is common practice that police forces do not release the costs and numbers of officers as this might compromise future operations.

USA: Ballistic Missile Defence

Mr Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what costs have been incurred in respect of the US Missile Defence system in each year since 1997. [11875]

Dr Fox: The UK provides support to the US Missile Defence system by sharing radar early warning information from RAF Fylingdales and by allowing the US to use RAF Menwith Hill to receive satellite early warning information; the UK does not incur any additional costs in respect of these activities. Any question regarding the overall cost of the US Ballistic Missile Defence system would be for the US Administration to answer.

6 Sep 2010 : Column 152W

Mr Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people have been stopped and searched outside RAF (a) Menwith Hill, (b) Fylingdales, (c) Mildenhall, (d) Lakenheath, (e) Feltwell, (f) Fairford, (g) Molesworth, (h) Alconbury and (i) Croughton in each year sine 2000. [11874]

Mr Robathan: The number of people stopped and searched by the Ministry of Defence police (MDP) outside RAF Menwith Hill, Fylingdales, Mildenhall, Lakenheath, Feltwell, Fairford, Molesworth, Alconbury and Croughton in each year since 2004 are shown in the table as follows:

	Menwith Hill	Fylingdales	Mildenhall	Lakenheath	Feltwell	Fairford	Molesworth	Alconbury	Croughton
2004	2	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–
2005	382	2	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–
2006	186	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–
2007	247	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–
2008	98	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–
2009	103	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	7
2010	34	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–	⁽¹⁾–
^{(1 )}None recorded

There are no recorded searches carried out prior to 2004. The records relate only to MDP incidents. Searches carried out outside the bases are primarily the responsibility of the local Home Office police forces, and they would retain their own records accordingly.

House of Lords Written Answers for Monday 22 June 2010

Chagos Islands

Asked by Lord Avebury

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they grant citizenship to second-generation descendants of former residents of the Chagos Islands, one of whose parents acquired British citizenship by descent but who are themselves stateless.[HL407]

The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Neville-Jones):

There are no automatic routes by which second-generation descendants of former residents of the Chagos Islands who are stateless can acquire British citizenship. They can apply for citizenship through registration or naturalisation if over the age of 18, based on a period of residence in the United Kingdom.

However, a person born stateless outside of the United Kingdom and overseas territories to a British Overseas Territories citizen may apply for registration as a British Overseas Territories citizen under Schedule 2 of the British Nationality Act 1981 following a period of residence in the UK or an overseas territory immediately before the application.

After acquiring British Overseas Territories citizenship in this way they may subsequently apply for full British citizenship.

House of Lords Written Answers for Monday 14 June 2010

Chagos Islands

Lord Avebury (Liberal Democrat)

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will invite representatives of the Chagos islanders to
attend their discussions with the Prime Minister of Mauritius for any agenda items covering the
future of the islanders.
Hansard source (Citation: HL Deb, 14 June 2010, c64W)

Lord Howell of Guildford (Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office; Conservative)
There were no representatives of the Chagos islanders at the meeting on 3 June between my right
honourable friend the Foreign Secretary and the Prime Minister of Mauritius.

Bilateral discussions about the British Indian Ocean Territory are between the sovereign states
concerned, ie the United Kingdom and Mauritius. While we welcome the views of other interested
parties on issues on the agenda, it is not the practice for outside representatives to attend such
discussions.
(Citation: HL Deb, 14 June 2010, c64W)

House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 8 April 2010

Cluster Munitions

Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a public announcement when the last US cluster munitions have been removed from the UK. [325695]

Bill Rammell: The United States has identified the cluster munitions that it holds on United Kingdom territory as exceeding its worldwide operational planning requirements. We expect that all US cluster munitions will be removed from sites in the UK this year and from all UK territories by 2013 (as declared by Baroness Kinnock during the Cluster Munitions (Prohibitions) Bill Second Reading in the House of Lords on the 8 December 2009, Official Report, column 1020). A statement will be made to confirm the removal of US cluster munitions at that time.

House of Lords Written Answers for 8 April 2010

Cluster Bombs

Asked by Baroness Northover

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the mapping of the use of cluster bombs in Iraq by British and American forces is now complete; and, if not, when it will be completed. [HL3112]

The Minister for International Defence and Security (Baroness Taylor of Bolton): During the war-fighting phase of Op TELIC in Iraq 68 cluster bombs were dropped by the UK; no cluster bombs were used after 4 April 2003. The RAF has target data for all of the cluster bombs dropped.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is committed to the timely provision of appropriate information to aid clearance organisations in their humanitarian work. Since the conflict, the UK has cleared over 1 million items of abandoned and unexploded ordnance, with Royal Engineers also being involved in the marking and fencing of bomblet strikes. Following the conflict, the UK held weekly meetings with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and commercial de-mining organisations in Basra to share information. United Nations Office for Project Services and United Nations Childrens Fund praised the UK for its response and assistance to the local population and its co-operative approach to international organisations and NGOs on de-mining.

Following withdrawal of UK forces, under Article 4 of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, the responsibility for clearance and destruction of cluster munitions rests now with Iraq.

The MoD does not hold records on use of cluster bombs by American forces.

House of Lords Written Answers for 7 April 2010

Cluster Bombs

Asked by Baroness Northover

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they will take to advance a worldwide ban on the use of cluster bombs. [HL3113]

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead): It is the Government’s desire to achieve a global cluster munitions ban as soon as possible.

We have already started working to achieve this. Notably, in November the Government launched a political initiative encouraging Commonwealth states to support the convention. Further targeted lobbying work has been undertaken at the African Union summit in January 2010 and during a range of recent bilateral meetings.

Following Royal Assent to the Cluster Munitions (Prohibitions) Act on 25 March, the UK will ratify the Convention on Cluster Munitions imminently. Our UK posts overseas have been instructed to lobby their hosts to support the convention.

We will continue to raise universalisation of the convention with non-signatory states in relevant international meetings and fora, and during bilateral contacts. We will continue to co-operate and work in partnership with non-governmental organisations and like-minded states in these efforts.

House of Lords Written Answers for 6 April 2010

Cluster Bombs

Asked by Baroness Northover

To ask Her Majesty’s Government following the passage of the Cluster Munitions (Prohibitions) Bill, when all cluster bombs will be removed from the American bases at RAF Lakenheath, RAF Welford and Diego Garcia. [HL3110]

The Minister for International Defence and Security (Baroness Taylor of Bolton): I can confirm that the US has identified its cluster munitions on UK territory as exceeding its worldwide operational planning requirements. Therefore, these cluster munitions will be removed from sites in the UK in 2010 and from all UK territories by 2013, as announced on 8 December 2009 by Baroness Kinnock during the Cluster Munitions (Prohibitions) Bill Second Reading in the House of Lords (Official Report, col. 1020).

Asked by Baroness Northover

To ask Her Majesty’s Government in which American military bases on British soil and in British overseas territories are cluster bombs held; and what verification arrangements they have made to ensure that those weapons are removed. [HL3111]

Baroness Taylor of Bolton: The United States stores various weapons in the UK. The US inventory of weapons is declared annually to the Ministry of Defence who ensure that all weapons are appropriately licensed and stored. It would be inappropriate to disclose the numbers, types and locations of such weapons. Therefore, I am withholding the detailed information as its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice relations between the United Kingdom and the United States.

However, I can confirm that the US has identified its cluster munitions on UK territory as exceeding its worldwide operational planning requirements. Therefore, these cluster munitions will be removed from sites in the UK in 2010 and from all UK territories by 2013, as announced on 8 December 2009 by Baroness Kinnock during the Cluster Munitions (Prohibitions) Bill Second Reading in the House of Lords (Official Report, col. 1020).

House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 30 March 2010

RAF Menwith Hill

Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the single-storey extension to the bermed earth building at the base at Menwith Hill will be operational; and for what purposes it is to be used. [325175]

Bill Rammell: The estimated construction completion date for the single-storey extension is January 2011, with internal works to follow thereafter. This building will form part of the RAF Menwith Hill Operations Complex.

House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 22 Feb 2010

RAF Menwith Hill

Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what dates members of the Intelligence and Security Committee have visited Menwith Hill since 2000; and which members of the committee participated in each such visit. [317979]

Bill Rammell: The Intelligence and Security Committee does not comment on its work programme. Where appropriate it publishes information on visits it has undertaken in its annual reports.

Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the Missile Defence System operations at RAF Menwith Hill in the next two years. [317980]

Bill Rammell: There are no plans to change the existing missile defence arrangements at RAF Menwith Hill.

House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 26 January 2010

RAF Menwith Hill

Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost to his Department was of (a) the erection of a single-storey extension with bermed earth covering and (b) the detached substation with four cooling units developed at RAF Menwith Hill. [312743]

Mr. Kevan Jones: The building works carried out at RAF Menwith Hill were funded by the US authorities.

House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 5 January 2010

Air Force: Military Bases

Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 7 December 2009, Official Report, column 90W, on the Royal Air Force: military bases, what the (a) name and (b) rank of the US base commander is at (i) RAF Croughton, (ii) RAF Barford St John, (iii) RAF Menwith Hill, (iv) RAF Fairford, (v) RAF Welford, (vi) RAF Alconbury, (vii) RAF Molesworth, (viii) RAF Lakenheath and (ix) RAF Mildenhall. [309127]

Bill Rammell: The name and rank of the US base commander at the RAF stations listed as follows are:

Name and rank of US base commander	RAF station
Colonel Renner	RAF Croughton/RAF Barford St. John
Colonel O’Brien	RAF Menwith Hill
Lieutenant Colonel Price	RAF Fairford/RAF Welford
Colonel Cashdollar	RAF Alconbury/RAF Molesworth
Colonel Silveria	RAF Lakenheath
Colonel Manske	RAF Mildenhall

House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 25 Jan 2010

RAF Menwith Hill

Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the space-based infrared system at RAF Menwith Hill to be operational. [312742]

Bill Rammell: The space based infra-red system (SBIRS) facilities at RAF Menwith Hill are ready for operation. The operational date for SBIRS is a matter for the United States, but is unlikely to be until later this year.

RAF Menwith Hill and RAF Fylingdales

Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost was of external policing at (a) RAF Menwith Hill and (b) RAF Fylingdales in each year since 2001. [307295]

Bill Rammell: External policing at RAF Menwith Hill and RAF Fylingdales is primarily provided by the local constabulary, the North Yorkshire Police (NYP). At RAF Menwith Hill the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) conduct joint patrols with the NYP. The MDP costs are met from the defence budget. It is common practice that police forces do not release specific information relating to ongoing police operations, to prevent the potential for operational compromise.

House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 5 Jan 2010

Air Force: Military Bases

Bill Rammell: The name and rank of the US base commander at the RAF stations listed as follows are:

Name and rank of US base commander	RAF station
Colonel Renner	RAF Croughton/RAF Barford St. John
Colonel O’Brien	RAF Menwith Hill
Lieutenant Colonel Price	RAF Fairford/RAF Welford
Colonel Cashdollar	RAF Alconbury/RAF Molesworth
Colonel Silveria	RAF Lakenheath
Colonel Manske	RAF Mildenhall

House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 16 December 2009

RAF Bases

Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the RAF liaison officer is the commanding officer at (a) RAF Croughton, (b) RAF Barford St. John, (c) RAF Menwith Hill, (d) RAF Fairford, (e) RAF Welford (f) RAF Alconbury, (g) RAF Molesworth, (h) RAF Lakenheath and (i) RAF Mildenhall. [307288]

Bill Rammell: RAF Croughton, RAF Barford St. John, RAF Menwith Hill, RAF Fairford, RAF Welford, RAF Alconbury, RAF Molesworth, RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall are all made available to the United States Visiting Force (USVF). These sites are commanded by a US officer, usually a United States Air Force officer, at colonel rank.

An RAF commander is present at the main USVF sites, at a lower rank, normally squadron leader. The role of the RAF commander is to liaise with the US base commander and act as head of establishment for Ministry of Defence employees. There are no RAF commanders at RAF Barford St. John, RAF Welford and RAF Molesworth as these sites are administered by other USVF sites.

Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) US forces personnel, (b) US civilians, (c) US contractors, (d) UK military personnel and (e) UK civilians are based at (i) RAF Blenheim Crescent, (ii) RAF Digby and (iii) RAF St. Mawgan; and whether the RAF liaison officer in the commanding officer at each base. [307289]

Bill Rammell: The numbers of UK personnel at RAF Digby, RAF St. Mawgan and Blenheim Crescent as at 1 October 2009 are shown in the following table:

Site	MOD civilian personnel	Military personnel
RAF Digby	160	510
RAF St. Mawgan	180	210
Blenheim Crescent	–	–
Notes: 1. MOD civilian figures are based on headcount. Figures include MOD main industrial (skill zone) and non-industrial staff. 2. The military personnel figures represent the number of service personnel that are stationed at that location. This may differ from the actual number of people working at that location at that time e.g., due to deployments.

There are 40 UK civilian personnel and contractors employed by the US at Blenheim Crescent.

The numbers of US personnel at RAF Digby, RAF St. Mawgan and Blenheim Crescent as at 1 December 2009 are shown in the following table:

Site	US military	US civilians	US contractors
RAF Digby	50	5 or less	⁽¹⁾ –
RAF St Mawgan	⁽¹⁾ –	5 or less	⁽¹⁾ –
Blenheim Crescent	20	40	5 or less
^{(1 )} Denotes a count of zero. Note: Numbers are rounded to the nearest 10. Numbers ending in “5” have been rounded to the nearest multiple of 20 to prevent systematic bias.

Blenheim Crescent is made available to the United States visiting force and is commanded by a US officer. RAF Digby and RAF St. Mawgan are commanded by an RAF Station Commander.

Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons there are no RAF personnel at (a) RAF Barford St John, (b) RAF Blenheim Crescent, (c) RAF Welford, (d) RAF Molesworth, (e) RAF Upwood, (f) RAF Feltwell, (g) RAF Brampton and (h) RAF Henlow; and who the commanding officer is at each base. [307290]

Bill Rammell: RAF Barford St. John, RAF Welford, RAF Molesworth, RAF Upwood, RAF Feltwell and Blenhiem Crescent are all made available to the United States visiting force (USVF). These bases are all administered by other USVF sites, and as such, there are no RAF personnel at these sites with the exception of RAF Molesworth where there is one RAF officer present. As with all RAF stations where the USVF are present, the base commander is usually a United States Air Force officer, at colonel rank.

With regard to the numbers of RAF personnel at RAF Brampton and RAF Henlow, I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 7 December 2009, Official Report, column 90W.

[16 Dec 2009 : Column 1216W]

RAF Fairford

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what emergency services will be maintained at RAF Fairford following the withdrawal of the US Air Force in 2010. [306812]

Bill Rammell: The current planning intent is to retain 24-hour fire and rescue services making use of Defence Fire Risk Management Organisation (DFRMO) personnel. Details surrounding shift patterns and numbers of personnel are being progressed with DFRMO and US Fire Service personnel at RAF Croughton, with formal trade union consultation expected to commence in January 2010.

[16 Dec 2009 : Column 1217W]

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the effect on emergency plane diversion plans from RAF Brize Norton of the US Air Force’s withdrawal from RAF Fairford in September 2010. [306813]

Bill Rammell: The withdrawal of the United States Air Force from RAF Fairford will have no effect in the event of an aircraft having to make an emergency diversion from RAF Brize Norton.

RAF Welford

Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether there are Ministry of Defence Police Agency staff based at RAF Welford. [307291]

Bill Rammell: There are currently both MOD police officers and members of the MOD Guard Service based at RAF Welford.

[16 Dec 2009 : Column 1218W]

House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 20 May 2009

USA: Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference

Mr. Dai Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish the written material (a) produced for and (b) obtained by his Department at the Preparatory Committee meeting for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference in New York; and which Ministers and officials attended that Conference. [276105]

Caroline Flint: This year’s Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Preparatory Committee (PrepCom) achieved a great deal, including agreeing an agenda for the 2010 Review Conference by consensus for the first time in 15 years. It was attended by a broad UK delegation headed by John Duncan, Ambassador for Arms Control and Disarmament. The delegation included officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Ministry of Defence, Department of Energy and Climate Change and our mission to the Conference on Disarmament, as well as an academic adviser.

Written documents agreed at the PrepCom are already in the public domain see:

http://www.un.org/disarmament/WMD/Nuclear/NPT2010Prepcom/PrepCom2009/index.html

and the FCO does not intend to publish any internal documents which were written or obtained by our delegation. However, as promised in the Prime Minister’s 17 March 2009 speech, we will publish a “Road to 2010” plan this year.

[link]

[20 May 2009 : Column 1426W]

Early Day Motion EDM 1443

MORDECHAI VANUNU

6 May 2009

Please ask your MP to sign this EDM.

If your MP has already done so (List of names of MPs who’ve already signed), congratulate her/him!

Corbyn, Jeremy

That this House deplores the fact that Mordechai Vanunu, released in April 2004 after serving a full 18-year sentence for revealing details of Israel’s nuclear weapons’ programme, has now had restrictions on his freedom of movement and speech in Israel renewed for yet a sixth year on 21 April; notes also that he is barred from leaving Israel and from speaking to foreigners for which latter offence he was sentenced last year to six months imprisonment, later reduced to three months; and calls upon the Government to request the Israeli government to procure the final lifting of these restrictions, which have no legal or security justification and are an infringement of Mordechai Vanunu’s human rights.

House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 30 April 2009

RAF Welford: Security

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the answer to the hon. Member for Lewes of 17 November 2008, Official Report, column 153W, on RAF Welford, whether the security enhancements at RAF Welford have been completed; and whether a complement of Ministry of Defence police remains stationed at the base. [271264]

Mr. Bob Ainsworth: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 17 November 2008, Official Report, column 153W, to the hon. Member for Lewes (Norman Baker). Although significant progress has been made, the security enhancements at RAF Welford are not yet complete. The Ministry of Defence police will not be withdrawn from RAF Welford until the necessary security enhancements at the base have been completed.

link

[30 Apr 2009 : Column 1408W]

House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 2 April 2009

Fuels: RAF Fairford

Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his Department has taken in relation to the fuel spillage at RAF Fairford on 25 February 2009; and what assessment his Department has made of the effects of the spillage on (a) water supply and (b) plant and animal life. [267288]

Huw Irranca-Davies: The Environment Agency was notified by the Ministry of Defence of the aviation fuel spill on 25 February 2009 and attended the air force base immediately. The Environment Agency found that the fuel had affected local ground and a surface water ditch off site. The Ministry of Defence put into operation their emergency response plan to contain and clean up the spill.

The Environment Agency attended the site for three days afterwards and ensured that the Ministry of Defence investigated the full impact of the spill to the local environment: this included surveys to ensure no fuel had affected local groundwater.

The Environment Agency has also completed an investigation which has shown no effect on water supply. A local ditch had been recently cleared by the landowner and contained no notable plant and animal life. The Environment Agency continues to work with the Ministry of Defence to ensure they remove all the fuel and contaminated soil from the site.

link

[2 Apr 2009 : Column 1305W]

RAF Fairford

Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what safeguards have been put in place to prevent future fuel spillages by US base authorities at RAF Fairford. [267289]

Mr. Bob Ainsworth: Fluid level sensors are to be installed in each of the eight pump rooms together with an automated warning system to alert the fuels control room of any problems. The operator procedures will also be altered to ensure that regular visits and inspections of the pump rooms take place.

link

USA: Military Bases

Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the answer to the hon. Member for Lewes of 21 June 2004, Official Report, column 1078, on RAF Menwith Hill, for which military bases on British soil hon. Members seeking to visit would require the permission of the US administration; and if he will issue guidance to hon. Members on procedures for gaining approval for such visits. [268456]

Mr. Bob Ainsworth: There are no military bases on British soil for which approval is required from the US administration for hon. Members to visit.

link

[2 Apr 2009 : Column 1400W]

House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 30 March 2009

RAF Menwith Hill

Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what agreements the Government has with the US administration governing the use of RAF Menwith Hill by the National Security Agency. [267285]

Mr. Bob Ainsworth: The use of RAF Menwith Hill by the United States Visiting Force and US Agencies is governed by the terms of the NATO Status of Forces Agreement of 1951 and other confidential arrangements between the UK and US.

Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Space-Based Infrared System at RAF Menwith Hill is due to become operational. [267445]

Mr. Bob Ainsworth: The Space-Based Infrared Red System (SBIRS) facilities at RAF Menwith Hill are ready for operation. The operational date for SBIRS is a matter for the United States, but is unlikely to be before 2010.

USA: Military Bases

Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which British military bases will (a) form part of and (b) provide services in support of the US missile defence system. [267284]

Mr. Hutton: In support of the US missile defence system, the UK provides missile early warning information from the radar at RAF Fylingdales, and allows the US to route early warning satellite data via a satellite downlink at RAF Menwith Hill.

link

[30 Mar 2009 : Column 894W]

Commons Hansard: Ballistic Missile Defence: 25 Mar 2009: Written Answers

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the Government’s policy is on a ballistic missile defence shield in Europe to provide security against Iran; and if he will make a statement. [264961]

Mr. Hutton: The Government see ballistic missile defence as an important defensive capability which could contribute to the defence of the UK and our NATO Allies against potential future ballistic missile threats.

link

[25 Mar 2009 : Column 436W]

Defence: RAF Menwith Hill: 9 Mar 2009: Written answers

Colin Challen (Morley & Rothwell, Labour)

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many hon. Members have visited RAF Menwith Hill in each of the last 10 years.
link

Bob Ainsworth (Minister of State (Armed Forces), Ministry of Defence; Coventry North East, Labour)

All requests by MPs to visit RAF Menwith Hill are referred to the office of the Secretary of State for Defence. Due to national security considerations, such visits are normally restricted to those with an official oversight function such as Government Ministers and members of the all-party Intelligence and Security Committee.

Since 1999 visits to RAF Menwith Hill by Government Ministers and members of the all-party Intelligence and Security Committee were:
Visitors
2000 Minister for the Armed Forces
2000 Intelligence and Security Committee
2001 Secretary of State for Defence
2004 Intelligence and Security Committee
2006 Minister for the Armed Forces
2006 Intelligence and Security Committee
2007 Minister for the Armed Forces

The Shadow Spokesman for Defence also visited RAF Menwith Hill in 2001.

Colin Challen (Morley & Rothwell, Labour)

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) US service personnel, (b) US contractors, (c) US civilians, (d) Royal Air Force personnel, (e) Ministry of Defence Policy agency personnel, (f) Ministry of Defence Guarding Service personnel, (g) UK army personnel, (h) UK naval personnel, (i) GCHQ personnel, (j) UK contractors, (k) UK civilians, (l) US military chaplains and (m) UK military chaplains are working at Menwith Hill.
link

Bob Ainsworth (Minister of State (Armed Forces), Ministry of Defence; Coventry North East, Labour)

As at 3 March 2009 the following personnel were employed at RAF Menwith Hill:

Employer	Number
US Service Personnel	540
US Civilians and Contractors	892
RAF Personnel	4
UK Army Personnel	0
UK Naval Personnel	8
UK Contractors	76⁽¹⁾
UK Civilians (Excl MDPGA)	325
US Military Chaplains	2
UK Military Chaplains	0

⁽¹⁾ The number of UK contractors’ personnel working at RAF Menwith Hill may vary on a day to day basis.

I am withholding the number of GCHQ employees in accordance with government practice not to reveal numbers of personnel working in intelligence at specific locations. I am also withholding the numbers for both the Ministry of Defence Police-and the Ministry of Defence Guard Agency for the purpose of the proper enforcement of law, and in the interests of national defence.

[9 Mar 2009 : Column 177W]

Defence: RAF Menwith Hill: 5 Mar 2009: Written answers

link

Colin Challen (Morley & Rothwell, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which (a) US and (b) UK contractors are currently working at RAF Menwith Hill.

Bob Ainsworth (Minister of State (Armed Forces), Ministry of Defence; Coventry North East, Labour)

The contractors presently working at RAF Menwith Hill are:

US Contractors: Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman

UK Contractors: Haden Young, Clark Construction, Britcon, SGW (Middlesbrough), Shaylor Construction, IUS, Paragon, HC Engineering, Balfour Beatty, Wrekin, Carillion AMBS, T Clarke, Landscape Centre

[5 Mar 2009 : Column 1733W]

Ballistic Missile Defence: 4 Mar 2009: Written answers

link

Nick Harvey (North Devon, Liberal Democrat)

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether work is being carried out in the United Kingdom to support the development of a Next Generation Fuze for US inter-continental ballistic missiles.

John Hutton (Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence; Barrow & Furness, Labour)

Technical exchanges are carried out on a regular basis under the auspices of the 1958 Mutual Defence Agreement on a range of issues of joint interest and of relevance to the safety, security and reliability of our respective nuclear stockpiles. They are also being undertaken to support the examination of the optimum life of the UK’s existing nuclear warhead and the range of replacement options that might be available to inform decisions, likely to be necessary in the next Parliament, on whether and how we may need to refurbish or replace the existing warhead. I am withholding details of the precise nature of this work in the interests of national security.

[4 Mar 2009 : Column 1586W]

House of Lords Hansard for 23 Feb 2009: Written Answers

Armed Forces: Personnel
QuestionAsked by Lord Wallace of SaltaireTo ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the rank of the senior British officer in post at (a) RAF Menwith Hill, (b) Diego Garcia, and (c) RAF Mildenhall. [HL1543]The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Baroness Taylor of Bolton): The rank of the senior British officer in post at RAF Menwith Hill is a squadron leader, in the British Indian Ocean Territory (including Diego Garcia) a commander (RN), and at RAF Mildenhall a wing commander.

House of Commons, Hansard: Intelligence and Security Committee

Colin Challen: To ask the Prime Minister when the Intelligence and Security Committee last visited RAF Menwith Hill; with whom the Committee had discussions during that visit; and which other military bases with a United States personnel presence in the UK the Committee has visited in 2007 and 2008. [255604]

The Prime Minister: The Intelligence and Security Committee does not comment on its work programme. Where appropriate it publishes information on visits it has undertaken in its annual reports.

Written Answers: 24 Feb 2009 (Column 507W)

Early Day Motion EDM 585

DEC GAZA CRISIS APPEAL

26.01.2009

Please ask your MP to sign this EDM.

If s/he has already done so (List of names of MPs who’ve already signed given below), congratulate her/him!

Burden, Richard
That this House is astonished by the refusal of the BBC and Sky to broadcast the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Gaza Crisis Appeal; considers that the explanations given for this decision by BBC spokespersons are both unconvincing and incoherent; and draws attention to the fact that people wishing to obtain information about the Gaza appeal can contact the DEC by visiting www.dec.org.uk

Burden, Richard	Bruce, Malcolm	Luff, Peter	Gwynne, Andrew	Battle, John
Clwyd, Ann	Dhanda, Parmjit	Morgan, Julie	Prentice, Gordon	Purchase, Ken
Reid, Alan	Robertson, Angus	Robertson, John	Rooney, Terry	Russell, Bob
Salmond, Alex	Salter, Martin	Sarwar, Mohammad	Short, Clare	Singh, Marsha
Smith, Robert	Soames, Nicholas	Starkey, Phyllis	Holmes, Paul	Hopkins, Kelvin
Hughes, Simon	Iddon, Brian	Illsley, Eric	Jackson, Glenda	Jones, Lynne
Jones, Martyn	Kaufman, Gerald	Keeble, Sally	Key, Robert	Kidney, David
Lamb, Norman	Lazarowicz, Mark	Levitt, Tom	Linton, Martin	Love, Andrew
Mahmood, Khalid	Mallaber, Judy	Marshall-Andrews, Robert	Meacher, Michael	Michael, Alun
Moffatt, Laura	Moore, Michael	Naysmith, Doug	Owen, Albert	Brake, Tom
Breed, Colin	Buck, Karen	Burstow, Paul	Caborn, Richard	Campbell, Menzies
Carmichael, Alistair	Caton, Martin	Chaytor, David	Clelland, David	Cohen, Harry
Connarty, Michael	Cook, Frank	Corbyn, Jeremy	Cunningham, Jim	Dean, Janet
Dobbin, Jim	Dowd, Jim	Drew, David	Efford, Clive	Flynn, Paul
Foster, Don	Francis, Hywel	Galloway, George	Gapes, Mike	George, Andrew
George, Bruce	Gerrard, Neil	Gibson, Ian	Abbott, Diane	Hain, Peter
Hamilton, Fabian	Hancock, Mike	Atkins, Charlotte	Austin, John	Barrett, John
Begg, Anne	Berry, Roger	Betts, Clive	Bottomley, Peter	Taylor, Ian
Teather, Sarah	Touhig, Don	Vaz, Keith	Walter, Robert	Webb, Steve
Weir, Mike	Williams, Betty	Williams, Hywel	Winnick, David	Wishart, Pete
Wyatt, Derek	Hemming, John	Alexander, Danny	Brown, Lyn	Burt, Lorely
Clark, Katy	Griffith, Nia	Horwood, Martin	Hosie, Stewart	Slaughter, Andy
Leech, John	MacNeil, Angus	Soulsby, Peter	Swinson, Jo	Thornberry, Emily
Mulholland, Greg	Main, Anne	Pelling, Andrew	Rowen, Paul	Devine, Jim
Davies, Dai	Mason, John

Early Day Motion
EDM 223

PARLIAMENT AND US NATIONAL MISSILE DEFENSE
10.12.2008

Davies, Dai

That this House recalls that the former Prime Minister told this House in reply to the right hon. Member for North East Fife, on the possible deployment of part of an anti-ballistic missile system for the United States in the United Kingdom, `I am sure that we will have the discussions in the House…When we have proposition to put, we will come back and put it’, 28 February 2007, Official Report, column 920; notes that the Secretary of State for Defence in a Written Ministerial Statement to this House on 25 July 2007 stated that `at RAF Menwith Hill, equipment will be installed and operated by the US government to allow receipt of satellite warnings of potentially hostile missile launches’, Official Report, columns 71-2WS; and calls for a full debate to allow hon. Members to scrutinise in public US National Missile Defense deployment plans in the United Kingdom.

http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=37221&SESSION=899

Early Day Motion
EDM 65

PARLIAMENT AND DECISIONS OVER US MISSILE DEFENCE
6.11.2007

Corbyn, Jeremy

That this House recalls the statement by the former Prime Minister on 28th February with regard to the UK involvement in the US Missile Defence programme, that `I am sure that we will have the discussion in the House… When we have a proposition to put, we will come back and put it’; notes with concern that the Secretary of State for Defence made a written statement to this House one day before the summer recess, stating that at RAF Menwith Hill, `equipment will be installed and operated by the US Government to allow receipt of satellite warnings of potentially hostile missile launches’; regrets that the written statement does not reflect the spirit of the process that the former Prime Minister announced; and calls upon the Government to arrange a full debate to allow hon. Members to scrutinise in public the US Missile Defence deployment plans in the UK.

http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=34155&SESSION=891

Please ask your M.P to sign this EDM.

Early Day Motion
EDM 2333

HOUSE OF LORDS DECISION ON CHAGOS
22.10.2008

Corbyn, Jeremy

That this House recognises that Chagos Islanders were disgracefully treated by successive British governments, by their forced removal from Diego Garcia and the Archipelago and their impoverished life in Mauritius and the Seychelles; further notes that the indefatigable spirit of the Chagossians enabled them to win their Right to Return by a High Court decision in 2000; further notes that the late Robin Cook as Foreign Secretary accepted this decision in its entirety; deplores the Government’s use of Orders in Council nearly four years later to overturn the High Court judgment and the failure to consult Parliament on the matter; further notes that the Chagossians have won successive legal judgments in the British courts and notes that by a majority verdict the House of Lords endorsed the Foreign Secretary’s appeal, upholding the Orders in Council; nevertheless believes an historic injustice has been done, and that the Foreign Office should now open serious discussions with the Islanders on their mode of return and to provide sufficient funding from UK and European sources to enable justice.

http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=36712&SESSION=891

Hansard on RAF Welford

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for how long the interim complement of the Ministry of Defence Police Agency will be stationed at RAF Welford. [236361]

Mr. Bob Ainsworth: The Ministry of Defence Police will not be withdrawn from RAF Welford until the necessary security enhancements have been put in place at the base by the United States visiting force. This includes removing munitions that are currently stored in the open.

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Officials are monitoring the situation and are in close contact with the United States visiting force.

Hansard on Ballistic Missile Defence

Mr. Kilfoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the UK’s role in the American missile defence programme is; and if he will make a statement. [235988]

Mr. Hutton: The UK provides support to the US missile defence programme by allowing both early warning information from the radar at RAF Fylingdales, and early warning satellite data via a satellite downlink at RAF Menwith Hill, to be routed into the US missile defence command and control system. The UK also has a well-established missile defence technical co-operation programme with the US.

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Hansard on Anglo-American Relations

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what priorities he has identified for discussion with the incoming Administration in the US. [234540]

Gillian Merron: We will continue to work closely with the current Administration in the period up to inauguration. Thereafter, we look forward to engaging with President-Elect Obama and his Administration, maintaining our strong partnership with the US, in our continuing effort to address the problems threatening global prosperity today—of course, these
include the world economy and reform of international financial institutions, key foreign policy issues (Iran, Middle East Peace Process, Afghanistan, Pakistan) and energy.

Ms Angela C. Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he first plans to meet the President-Elect of the United States to discuss US-British relations; and if he will make a statement. [234542]

Caroline Flint: It is too early to get to make those sorts of plans. But my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, other Cabinet colleagues and I look forward to close working relationships next year, This will of course involve face-to-face meetings in the US, UK and elsewhere. For now, our priority remains continuing our close working relationship with the current Administration.

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Hansard on Defence Estates

Defence Estates
Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons implementation of the Military Lands Act byelaws at his Department’s sites has not taken place in accordance with the published timetable. [232439]

Mr. Kevan Jones: Significant delays in the progression of the MOD Byelaws Review have occurred because objectors secured a judicial review of the implementation of the first of the new byelaws at AWE Aldermaston, which came into force on 31 May 2007.

Byelaws work was placed on hold, pending the decision by the High Court. Following the High Court’s determination of the judicial review claim, which was substantially in the MOD’s favour, the objectors successfully sought leave to appeal the High Court’s decision to the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal hearing is scheduled for late November. The appeal is limited to issues relating to the manner and form of protests against nuclear weapons, and as a result ministerial approval has been given to restart the byelaw process for non-nuclear MOD sites across the UK.

Reviews have already commenced at some 96 sites including 13 sites designated under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 and it is expected that new byelaws will be submitted progressively for ministerial approval from April next year. An updated version of the project plan reflecting the new revised timetable will shortly be published on the Department’s Byelaws Website:

www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2008-10-06b.224214.h

Hansard on Ballistic Missile Defence, 10th June 2008

Ballistic Missile Defence

Q: Mr Dai Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether /(a) /he, /(b)/ Ministers and /(c)/ officials have had recent discussions with counterparts in the United States administration on the possibility of deploying anti-missile interceptors at United Kingdom bases. [209131]

A: Des Browne: No discussions of this nature have taken place.

Q: Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many discussions he has had with /(a)/ NATO and /(b)/ Russia on Ballistic Missile Defence in the last 12 months. [209582]

A: Des Browne: The issue of ballistic missile defence is routinely discussed at a high level in a number of NATO and bilateral fora.

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