§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals he has to improve security arrangements for the transport of ammunition from the Caerwent, Gwent, Royal Air Force base, following the conviction of a civilian driver for drunken driving at Chepstow magistrates' court on 29 March.
§ Mr. Ian StewartRAF Caerwent is made available to the United States army which is responsible for the safety and security of the ammunition stored at the base and associated transport arrangements. The United States authorities are subject to the same regulations governing the storage and handling of ammunition as Her Majesty's forces.
I am informed that the United States army at RAF Caerwent has contracted out the transport of ammunition to a commercial haulage firm. In the incident referred to the driver in question was detained by the Gwent constabulary before entering the secure ammunition storage area. Had he entered this area whilst under the influence of alcohol he would not have been permitted to load ammunition or remain in the secure area in accordance with standard United States army procedures.