§ Mr. Dyeasked the Prime Minister under what agreement a United States atomic base has been established in East Anglia; and how far adequate compensation is provided for loss of lives or property in the event of any mishap in peace-time or as a result of a special attack in the event of war.
§ The Prime MinisterBy arrangement between the two Governments, units of the United States Air Force have been stationed in the United Kingdom since the time of the Berlin airlift; they will remain there as long as both Governments consider this to be in the interest of their common defence.
In peace-time, compensation for the loss of lives or property attributable directly to the United States Forces in this country is a matter for the United States Claims Commission. An agreement is now under negotiation which will cover inter alia the payment of compensation for damage suffered as the result of acts of the Forces of North Atlantic Treaty powers stationed in a country other than their own; this agreement may modify the present position.
In the event of war, any arrangements made for compensation for the loss of lives or property due to enemy action would, of course, cover East Anglia equally with the rest of the country.