HC Deb 27 April 1988 vol 132 cc203-4W
Mr. Cryer

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the agreements authorising the use of Menwith Hill communications base, Harrogate, by the United States National Security Agency.

Mr. Ian Stewart

The use of Menwith Hill by the United States Department of Defence is subject to confidential arrangements between the United Kingdom and United States Government.

Mr. Cryer

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) United Kingdom personnel and (b) United States personnel are currently employed at Menwith Hill communications base; and what expansion has recently taken place or is planned.

Mr. Ian Stewart

Currently some 850 United States personnel and 340 United Kingdom personnel are employed at Menwith Hill. No significant change in numbers has taken place recently nor is any foreseen.

Mr. Cryer

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the expenditure in each year on(a) capital equipment and buildings and (b) revenue for each of the past 10 years at Menwith Hill communications base; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ian Stewart

Full financial information of the kind requested is not held by the British Government and could only be obtained from the United States authorities at: disproportionate cost.