§ 22. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether there have been any variations in the plans to deploy cruise missiles at RAF Greenham common from the proposals announced on 17 June 1980, Official Report, c. 1342.
§ Mr. HeseltineNo, Sir.
§ Mr. McNair-WilsonCan my right hon. Friend give an estimate of the likely cost to the Government of the installation of cruise missiles at Greenham common and the security services necessary at the base?
§ Mr. HeseltineMy hon. Friend, perhaps above all others in the House, will realise that it is difficult to give costs for the security arrangements at Greenham common. We are forced to respond to the demands that others impose upon us. Obviously, substantial costs are imposed upon the police forces of the Thames Valley. We wish that those could be avoided. In the last resort, it is our duty to defend the bases, and that we shall do.