§ 39. Mr. de Freitasasked the Minister of Defence in what way the security regulations made by him for the British military bases used by the United States forces such as the Royal Air Force station, Sculthorpe, differ from the security regulations for British bases used by British forces.
§ Mr. SandysThe security measures at air stations used by American forces are the responsibility of the American Base Commander. The regulations governing them are drawn up in consultation with the Air Ministry. They are not materially different from the normal R.A.F. security arrangements.
§ Mr. de FreitasIn the course of these consultations, will the Minister impress on the United States authorities that these incidents are quite unnecessary and that if they exercised a little more common sense and had a little less of a cowboys-and-Indians approach to the problem it would be far more effective in the long run and certainly much more welcome in this country?
§ Mr. SandysI think that what the hon. Gentleman has said is well appreciated by all concerned. In the case of the last incident there is no doubt that an error was made, and an apology has been given to the person concerned. I do not think there is any advantage in pursuing the matter further.