Written Answers

Thursday, 20th March 1997.

RAF Menwith Hill

Lord Kennet asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the statement from the Minister of State for the Armed Forces, Mr. Soames (of 24 February 1997, HCWA 118) that "there are no plans, nor is there any requirement, to renew the arrangements at RAF Menwith Hill" currently under the executive management of the US Army, indicates that these arrangements are to cease, and, if so, when; and, if not, whether it indicates that these arrangements are permanent and Menwith Hill is effectively no longer under sovereign control.

Earl Howe: In 1956 and again in 1976, in connection with US funding arrangements, assurances were given to the US Government that Menwith Hill would be made available to them by HMG for a period of 21 years. The precise nature of these assurances and other administrative arrangements are confidential between the Governments of the United Kingdom and the United States. There is no requirement to review these assurances and RAF Menwith Hill continues to be Crown freehold.

RAF Feltwell

Lord Kennet asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the airspace checking facilities at RAF Feltwell are under full British control, and whether the United States uses are exclusively for NATO purposes.

Earl Howe: The Deep Space Tracking Facility at RAF Feltwell is under the command of the United States

20 Mar 1997 : Column WA93