§ Mr. MacDonaldTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the presence of military personnel at Kinloss during the week of 19 to 23 June was connected with the disposal of the Brent Spar oil installation. [33775]
§ Mr. SoamesRAF Kinloss is a major military air station which, at any one time, has a substantial military presence, with personnel engaged on various activities. Responsibility for upholding the law during the Shell operation to dispose of the Brent Spar oil platform rested with the Grampian police. Military personnel would have become involved only if the police had requested this and, in the event, no such request was forthcoming. Contingency arrangements were, however, put in place in anticipation of a possible police request for service logistical assistance and a Royal Marine detachment and supporting elements were deployed to Kinloss against this contingency.