HC Deb 25 February 1985 vol 74 cc81-2W
Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is the role in NATO of the tanker aircraft based at RAF Fairford;

(2) whether the United States tanker aircraft based at RAF Fairford have any role outside NATO;

(3) what is the NATO command to which the United States tanker aircraft based at Fairford are assigned and under which they carry out NATO exercises.

Mr. Lee

The KC135 tanker aircraft based at RAF Fairford support NATO forces within Europe, but formally remain part of the United States Strategic Air Command. Subject to the normal process of consultation, any role they might have in support of United States requirements outside the NATO area is a matter for the United States Government.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether United States B-52 aircraft capable of firing air-launched cruise missiles have visited RAF Fairford.

Mr. Lee

No. I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Denton and Reddish (Mr. Bennett) on 18 June 1984.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how much of the $7.4 million to be spent by the United States Air Force on a dental clinic at RAF Fairford will be spent in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Lee

The Property Services Agency is managing the design and future construction of a medical/dental clinic at RAF Fairford, and will be following normal Her Majesty's Government tendering and contractual procedures. It is too early to say which contracts, if any, will be placed with United Kingdom firms.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria were used to choose RAF Fairford as the site for the bi-annual air fare and display.

Mr. Lee

Now that Greenham common has become fully operational it can no longer offer accommodation on base to support the international air tattoo. It was therefore agree that the 1985 tattoo should be held at RAF Fairford, which has both the necessary facilities and a level of operational activity more compatible with the activities of the tattoo. The RAF benevolent fund has not yet made any proposals for tattoos beyond 1985.