HC Deb 09 February 1954 vol 523 cc1000-2
45. Mr. Driberg

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the continued use by the United States Air Force of a number of bases in the United Kingdom; to what extent this is now regarded by Her Majesty's Government as a permanent feature of the defence of Great Britain; what is the estimated cost to British public funds of the upkeep of these bases in the present year and in future years; what discussions have taken place with the United States Government with a view to modifying the extra-territorial status of United States courts-martial in Britain; and what special protection against atomic attack is being provided for the inhabitants of towns and villages near these bases.

The Prime Minister (Sir Winston Churchill)

As I have previously informed the House, the arrangement for United States Air Force use of bases in this country will continue so long as it is needed in the general interest of world peace and security. The British contribution this year to maintenance costs will be £17,500. Apart from this sum, the maintenance of the bases will be entirely a charge on United States funds. As regards the construction of the bases, this country's direct financial contribution is limited to £22½ million out of an estimated total expenditure of £125 million spread over the years 1951 to 1955. The question of criminal jurisdiction over United States Service personnel will be dealt with by the Visiting Forces Act when it comes into force. In making our Civil Defence dispositions, we will naturally give special attention to places that are specially liable to atomic attack.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Does the Prime Minister still adhere to the point of view that this country is in greater danger as the result of the American Air Force being here?

The Prime Minister

I think that I have stated that point of view in the sense that we were in the front line, and that is quite true. But the general policy of the late Government in rearming in conjunction with the United States and in making strong defence arrangements has played a noticeable and traceable part in the relaxation and diminution of tension which has occurred. I think that they deserve full credit for their action, in which we supported them, and which is being continued subject to the general tendency of events.

Mr. A. Henderson

Would not the Prime Minister agree that if the United States air squadrons were not situated in this country as part of Western air defence, it would have been necessary for the United Kingdom to have expended much more by the way of men, money and resources in building up our own air defence? Would he not also make it clear that,since these arrangements were made, the Americans have given more than £300 million in military defence aid to this country? Is it not also the fact that since these air squadrons arrived in 1949 we have received more than £100 million in terms of dollars as a result of their expenditure in this country?

Mr. Shinwell

In case there should be any misunderstanding about the official policy of the Parliamentary Labour Party, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that the decision taken by the late Government in the light of the then international circumstances, which are apparently still prevailing, so far as we know, was a decision from which at the present time we are not prepared to run away?

The Prime Minister

I think that these statements made by responsible ex-Ministers on the Front Opposition Bench are a valuable contribution to our debate.

Mr. Driberg

In view of what the Prime Minister said about the danger that the presence of these bases in fact represents to this country, would he agree that that danger is intensified by the aggressive tendencies of people such as Chiang Kaishek and Singhman Rhee in the Far East and the consequent risk that the Sino-Soviet Mutual Assistance Pact might be invoked, and would he bear in mind that that danger necessitates even closer and fuller consultation with the British Government and people by our American allies?

The Prime Minister

These matters are, I notice, being seriously touched upon and have been discussed at the Conference now proceeding in Berlin, and possibly there will be a further Conference.

Mr. Logan

Is it not considered by the Government that the friendly action of the United States is beneficial to the British nation?

Mr. Emrys Hughes

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.