HC Deb 14 June 1994 vol 244 cc532-3W
Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when was the last inspection made at National Security Agency, Molesworth under the terms of the intermediate nuclear forces treaty; when the last arrest was made at RAF Molesworth under the base byelaws; and how many breaches of security there have been at RAF Molesworth over the last 18 months.

Mr. Hanley

The last inspection at RAF Molesworth under the terms of the INF treaty was in December 1992. There have been no arrests under the byelaws at RAF Molesworth since 1990. The Ministry of Defence police have attended 12 security incidents at Molesworth in the last 18 months.

Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the role of the National Security Agency of America in the management of the joint analysis centre at Molesworth; how much the expansion of the joint analysis centre at Molesworth has cost and who has paid for this; if the hazardous waste stored at National Security Agency, Molesworth is from American bases in the United Kingdom; and if there are polychlorine benzines stored at this facility.

Mr. Hanley

The joint analysis centre at RAF Molesworth is operated by the United States European Command. No expansion of the JAC has been undertaken. The cost of all works associated with the construction of this facility has been borne by the United States Government. The Defense Reutilisation and Marketing Organization is responsible for the resale or disposal of all United States Government property in the United Kingdom which is surplus to requirements. It operates a central collection facility at RAF Molesworth for the temporary storage of hazardous material. All electrical equipment received by the DRMO is tested for polychlorinated biphenyls. If they are found in concentrations exceeding legal limits, the material is disposed of through approved United Kingdom contractors.

Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons the byelaw relating to RAF Molesworth are not used against intruders; what instructions have been issued to Ministry of Defence Police on arresting under RAF Molesworth byelaws or other similar byelaws; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hanley

How MOD police deal with intruders will depend on the nature of the incident. Normally, the MDP will first ask those concerned to leave MOD property. Anyone who refuses to do so will be escorted from the property using the minimum force necessary to effect their removal. Where appropriate, offenders may be arrested and reported for breach of byelaws. If other offences are committed, such as criminal damage, the MDP make arrests accordingly.