§ Lord Jenkins of Putneyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What activity takes place at Menwith Hill and which Minister is responsible and whether the RAF or the United States National Security Agency are involved; and what was the outcome of proceedings against women of the Peace Camp there at Ripon Magistrates' Court on 4th April.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Earl Howe)Menwith Hill operates as a field station of the US National Security Agency and is an integral part of the worldwide US Department of Defense communications network which supports UK, US and NATO interests. There is an RAF presence at the site, which has now been retitled RAF Menwith Hill to bring it into line with other RAF sites made available by the Ministry of Defence to the United States Government. The Minister of State for the Armed Forces is responsible for RAF Menwith Hill.
We are not aware of any proceedings taken against the peace protestors at RAF Menwith Hill on 4th April 1996. A number of cases were brought before Ripon Magistrates' Court on 3rd April 1996 for criminal damage and by-laws offences, but these were adjourned for trial at a later date.