HC Deb 28 July 1960 vol 627 cc199-200W
Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Minister of Defence whether a decision has yet been reached regarding the proposal to establish a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation base at Stornoway, Isle of Lewis; and if he will either make a statement or indicate When he will be in a position to do so.

Mr. Watkinson

Detained plans for the limited use of Stornoway Airfield by N.A.T.O. are now being worked out by the Air Ministry. Work on the airfield will involve strengthening the runway and putting up a few additional buildings within the perimeter. No additional land will be required, nor will there be any need for evictions or demolitions. During normal working, the airfield will be manned mainly by United Kingdom personnel, but during occasional exercises, limited numbers of other N.A.T.O. forces will visit the airfield for short periods. Contracts for the work services will be let in accordance with the usual N.A.T.O. practice. It is hoped that these will provide some local economic benefit.