HC Deb 17 March 1986 vol 94 c28W
Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what joint plans have been agreed by the Government for the services of British Rail, including its workers and rolling stock, to be made available in the United Kingdom to support foreign military forces involved in the reinforcement of Europe if this became necessary during grave national tension;

(2) what joint plans have been agreed by the Government for the services of transport workers to be made available in the United Kingdom to support foreign military forces involved in the reinforcement of Europe if this became necessary during grave national tension;

(3) what joint plans have been agreed by the Government for workers in the civil aviation, ports or shipping industries to be made available in the United Kingdom to support foreign military forces involved in the reinforcement of Europe if this became necessary during grave national tension.

Mr. Ridley

An arrangement between the United States and the United Kingdom permits the United States to establish, operate and maintain lines of communication and anciliary facilities in the United Kingdom for use under emergency conditions as part of their NATO obligations, with the proviso that United Kingdom Government's requirements take priority. Detailed planning in support of this arrangement is classified.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what joint plans have been agreed by the Government for civil aviation facilities, including airports and aircraft to be made available in the United Kingdom to support foreign military forces involved in the reinforcement of Europe if this became necessary during grave national tension.

Mr. Ridley

An arrangement between the United States and the United Kingdom permits the United States Forces to establish, operate and maintain lines of communication and ancillary facilities in the United Kingdom for use under emergency conditions as part of their NATO obligations. As part of this arrangement the United Kingdom has agreed to consider requests for such facilities with the proviso that the United Kingdom Government always has priority in using national resources. Details of the plans in support of this arrangement are classified.

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