HC Deb 30 October 1990 vol 178 cc496-7W
17. Mr. Martlew

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has about the future level of United States forces in the United Kingdom.

29. Mr. Barron

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has about the future level of United States forces in the United Kingdom.

36. Ms. Primarolo

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has about the future level of United States forces in the United Kingdom.

53. Ms. Armstrong

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has about the future level of United States forces in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

My Department is in close contact with the United States authorities over the future level of United States forces in the United Kingdom. At present six main operating bases and 61 other facilities have been made available to the United States forces in the United Kingdom. However, arrangements are currently in hand for RAF Kemble to be returned to MOD control in 1992 and RAF Sculthorpe and the Martlesham Heath communications site in 1995. Further changes in the level of United States forces in the United Kingdom have yet to be decided.

27. Mr. Haynes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has about the future level of United States forces in Europe.

33. Mr. Wareing

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has about the future level of United States forces in Europe.

69. Mr. Cunliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has about the future level of United States forces in Europe.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

President Bush has reaffirmed that the United States remains committed to maintaining a significant military presence in Europe for as long as European allies wish it to do so. However, the United States Government are reviewing their force levels in Europe in the light of changing circumstances. Following consultation with allies, Secretary of Defence Cheney has announced a rationalisation of United States bases overseas and a reduction of 40,000 United States military personnel in Europe over the next 12 months. Further proposals for reducing United States force levels in Europe are under consideration, consistent with President Bush's proposal for a 25 per cent. overall reduction in United States active forces by 1995. The United States Government have made it clear that any further reductions will be preceded by consultations with allies.