§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the break-in at RAF Greenham Common on 25–26 July by seven women; what damage they did to United States military aircraft; and what steps he intends to take to ensure such incidents do not happen in the future.
§ Mr. StanleyIn connection with an incident which occurred at RAF Greenham Common in the early hours of Monday 25 July 1983, seven persons were arrested and have been charged by the Ministry of Defence Police with offences of criminal damage. They have been bailed to appear in court on 18 August 1983. My hon. Friend will appreciate that, with court proceedings pending, I cannot give further details at the moment. I can, however, assure him that security at RAF Greenham Common, which as at other operational USAF bases is primarily the responsibility of the United States authorities, is kept under close review. The temporary presence of the USAF aircraft concerned in this part of the base was exceptional, and related solely to the international air tattoo.