HC Deb 07 February 1986 vol 91 cc306-7W
Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list all bases and facilities used by the Ministry of Defence and British forces in (a) England, (b) Wales, (c) Scotland, (d) Northern Ireland and (e) elsewhere.

Mr. Norman Lamont

The information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost and effort.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether any of the following bases and facilities have been made available for use by United States forces in the United Kingdom: Stornoway, RAF Brize Norton, Cowden, RAF High Wycombe, Holbeach, Jurby, RAF Marham, Oakhanger, Pitreavie, Rosyth, Plymouth, Shetland Islands, Thurso and Wainfleet.

Mr. Norman Lamont

I have nothing to add to my answers given on 27 November 1985, at columns577–78, and 13 January 1986, at column 538.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether RAF Cranwell and RAE Bedford are no longer United States bases or facilities.

Mr. Norman Lamont

There is no United States peacetime presence at either of these locations.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence where and for what purpose an additional main operating base for United States forces in the United Kingdom has come into use since 1 March 1983.

Mr. Norman Lamont

The United States air force has seven main operating bases in the United Kingdom; this number has not changed in the period since 1 March 1983. In a written answer on 27 November 1985, at columns577–78, the United States Navy's mooring at Holy Loch was, for reasons of simplicity, included under the heading "main operating bases". This should not be taken to imply any change of function or status of this facility.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence why the list of United States bases and facilities given in the answer of 27 November 1985, Official Report, column 577–78, does not include contingency wartime hospitals at Bordon, Newton, Waterbeach, Cosford, Colerne, Bulford, Tidworth and Locking.

Mr. Norman Lamont

Contingency wartime hospitals do not exist at these locations.