HC Deb 05 December 1994 vol 251 cc108-9W
Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who attended a meeting, called by officials in his Department on 22 September, which discussed incursions at United States bases in the United Kingdom and United Kingdom concerns about actions taken by American security police on bases in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Soames

This was a private meeting between representatives of the United Kingdom and United States Governments.

Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has made to the American military and civil authorities to stop American military handcuffing or blindfolding British citizens who enter military bases within the United Kingdom; what instructions he has issued to his Department's police to stop American military personnel from taking such actions; and what penalties can be imposed on his Department's police if they fail to stop American military personnel from taking such action against civilians entering bases.

Mr. Soames

There is regular and close liaison between United Kingdom and United States authorities on all policing matters. No specific instructions are issued to my Department's police to deal with the circumstances outlined. MOD police act in accordance with the law and the powers conferred upon them. They are a disciplined force and any complaints against them are processed in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.

Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the potential danger arising from intruders entering weapons storage areas at United States bases in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Soames

Internal security arrangements at United States bases in the United Kingdom and assessments of the potential dangers arising from intruders entering weapons storage areas at these bases are matters for the United States authorities.

Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the guidelines for his Department's police actions which was passed in March to United States military personnel based in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Soames

It is not my Department's policy to comment on operational security matters or to release related documents.