HL Deb 28 October 1997 vol 582 c232WA
Lord Hill-Norton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the allegations contained in the recently published book Left at East Gate, to the effect that nuclear weapons were stored at RAF Bentwaters and RAF Woodbridge in violation of UK/US treaty obligations are true.

Lord Gilbert

It has always been the policy of this and previous governments neither to confirm nor to deny where nuclear weapons are located either in the UK or elsewhere, in the past or at the present time. Such information would be withheld under exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

Lord Hill-Norton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are aware of reports from the United States Air Force personnel that nuclear weapons stored in the Weapons Storage Area at RAF Woodbridge were struck by light beams fired from an unidentified craft seen over the base in the period 25–30 December 1980, and if so, what action was subsequently taken.

Lord Gilbert

There is no evidence to suggest that the Ministry of Defence received any such reports.

Lord Hill-Norton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What information they have on the suicide of the United States security policeman from the 81st Security Police Squadron who took his life at RAF Bentwaters in January 1981, and whether they will detail the involvement of the British police, Coroner's Office, and any other authorities concerned.

Lord Gilbert

MoD has no information concerning the alleged suicide. Investigations into such occurrences are carried out by the US Forces.

Lord Hill-Norton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What information they have on the medical problems experienced by various United States Air Force personnel based at RAF Bentwaters and RAF Woodbridge, which stemmed from their involvement in the so-called Rendlesham Forest incident, in December 1980.

Lord Gilbert

Information on medical matters relating to US personnel is a matter for the US authorities.