§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to charge the United States for the use of the Ascension Islands. [75757]
§ Mr. Tony LloydWe currently have no plans to charge the United States for the use of Ascension Island. The United States Base on Ascension is provided free from rent and charges under the terms of the Agreement between the UK and US Governments Concerning the Extension of the Bahamas Long Range Proving Ground by the Establishment of Additional Sites in Ascension Island signed in 1956, as amended.
Wideawake Airfield, which forms part of the US Base, is a vital link in the RAF airbridge to the Falkland Islands. We are currently preparing for talks with the US Government to allow the use of Wideawake by civil charter flights. If these negotiations are successful, this will improve access to both Ascension and St. Helena, some 700 miles away.