HC Deb 22 July 1975 vol 896 cc283-4
14. Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if United States U2 planes are currently using facilities in this country.

Mr. John

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Cryer

Does my hon. Friend agree that these aircraft are notorious for their spying activities? Will he assure the House that they are not being used in spying activities? Does he agree that if they were so used détente could be seriously damaged? Will he make clear to the Americans that if these planes are used for spying elsewhere, they are not welcome here? Will he press the Americans to get rid of them as practice for the future in getting rid of American Polaris bases here?

Mr. John

As I made clear to my hon. Friend the Member for Salford, East (Mr. Allaun) on 11th June, they are not on spying missions, they are not taking photographs and they are not armed. In those circumstances we have no intention of asking the Americans to terminate the trials, which are of a precision high altitude and navigation system.