§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he proposes to give a further 21-year assurance to United States forces at Royal Air Force Menwith Hill in respect of site availability. [9130]
§ Dr. ReidThe US authorities have not sought any renewal of the previous assurances. Their use of the site continues under general arrangements between the two Governments concerning the stationing of forces.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date in 1997 the assurance given in 1976 to United States forces in respect of the making available of Royal Air Force Menwith Hill to United States forces expires. [9131]
§ Dr. ReidThe assurance, which was given in order to facilitate US funding commitments, covered the period up to 30 May 1997. It was not, nor was it ever envisaged to be, any form of renewable lease.