HC Deb 03 February 1989 vol 146 cc448-9W
Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has as to in which United States fiscal years funding for the proposed deep space tracking station at RAF Feltwell was given

Mr. Archie Hamilton

I am informed by the United States authorities that funding has been approved for the deep space tracking system on a worldwide basis and it is not possible to isolate specific provision for the project at RAF Feltwell in particular years.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give(a) the date of commencement of works on the deep space tracking station to be built at RAF Feltwell, (b) the expected date of completion of these works and (c) the expected date of start of operations of the deep space tracking station at Feltwell.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Construction of the deep space tracking station at RAF Feltwell began on 12 September 1988. It is anticipated that the work will be completed late in 1989 with the station becoming operational in 1991.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if information gathered by the United States Air Force or any other United States service or agency at the proposed deep space tracking station at RAF Feltwell will, as a matter of routine, be shared with the United Kingdom and other NATO allies.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

I have nothing to add to the answer my hon. Friend the Member for Kettering (Mr. Freeman) gave the hon. Gentleman on 18 May 1988 at column512.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the construction of the deep space tracking station at RAF Feltwell is being undertaken in pursuit of a NATO force goal, or other NATO decision.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The deep space tracking station is not part of a NATO programme.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what personnel, other than from the United States Air Force, will be employed at the proposed deep space tracking station at RAF Feltwell.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The construction of the deep space tracking station at RAF Feltwell will involve the employment of British contractors. Once complete, the station will be manned by United States Air Force personnel.

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