HC Deb 13 March 1984 vol 56 cc274-5
16. Mr. Norman Atkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will describe the command structure and to whom the United States military personnel are accountable in regard to the defence of the cruise missiles bases in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Stanley

As has been the case for many years, United States military personnel based in this country are accountable to their military superiors in their national chain of command, as are, for instance, United Kingdom military personnel based in Germany. In addition, in exercising day-to-day operational control of the cruise missile defence force, the United States Air Force commander acts in accordance with a policy approved by both Governments.

Mr. Atkinson

Does the Minister recognise that it is outrageous that foreign nationals in Britain should not be subject to British jurisdiction? Is he aware that, although both the Royal Air Force and the American forces have denied that warning shots were fired at women at Greenham common recently, the women still insist that that happened? Does he agree that under the arrangements that he announced it is impossible for the women to subpoena American troops and to bring them to court to answer the charges laid by the women?

Mr. Stanley

The hon. Member does not completely understand the operation of the Visiting Forces Act 1952. Perhaps he would care to read the excellent speech by the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, my hon. Friend the Member for Putney (Mr. Mellor), on 19 December, where that is fully set out. There is no foundation for the hon. Gentleman's allegation that shots were fired by USAF service men at Greenham common. I am surprised that the hon. Gentleman keeps repeating an allegation that has no foundation.

Mr. Denzil Davies

Has not the Minister made a shameful admission, to the effect that he and his Department have no ultimate responsibility for American troops in Britain? Is not the constitutional position clear? American troops are responsible to their officers and then to their commander-in-chief, who is the President of the United States. No bit of paper can alter that constitutional fact.

Mr. Stanley

The right hon. Gentleman ignores the fact that the legislation under which American troops in Britain operate today has operated for 30 years under Governments of all political complexions.