HL Deb 25 October 1993 vol 549 cc76-7WA
Lord Jenkins of Putney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether American communications facilities at Menwith and elsewhere record telephone conversations originating in this country and received here from other countries; and whether it is the case that Her Majesty's Government has no control over, or knowledge of, the details of these and other activities, which were alleged (in the Channel 4 programme of 6th October) to include industrial espionage.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Viscount Cranborne)

Menwith Hill Station is an integral part of a worldwide defence communications network. We are not prepared to comment further on its operational role. The station operates with the full knowledge and agreement of Her Majesty's Government.