§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what period was specified under the 21-year agreement reached in 1976 between the Government and US Forces in respect of RAF Menwith Hill to take account of 393W circumstances where the Government wished to terminate the US use of the base; and what period of notice now applies. [16990]
§ Dr. Reid[holding answer 20 November 1997]: No period of notice was specified. The arrangements were to facilitate the commitment of US funding and did not constitute any form of lease. As with all sites that are made available to the United States Visiting Forces, termination of occupation would be a matter for the Governments of the United Kingdom and United States under arrangements that exist for our mutual defence.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 17 July 1997,Official Report, column 324, what is the present status of the US Forces occupying RAF Menwith Hill following the expiry of the 21-year agreement. [16989]
§ Dr. Reid[holding answer 20 November 1997]: RAF Menwith Hill continues to be made available to the United States Visiting Forces on the same basis as other RAF sites in the United Kingdom.