HL Deb 11 November 1999 vol 606 c192WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the United States National Security Agency construction activities at Menwith Hill, and elsewhere in the United Kingdom and in United Kingdom Dependent Territories (a) are always in full accordance with Local Plans; (b) have been subjected to fully informed local consultation; (c) are subject to Health and Safety Executive and other specialised inspections; and (d) enjoy Crown Exemption or Crown Immunity from planning and other United Kingdom and international law. [HL4682]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

Planning consultations are always lodged by the Defence Estates Agency in accordance with DOE Circular 18/84 for construction activities at RAF Menwith Hill or elsewhere, on behalf of United States Visiting Forces, where planning clearance is required.

Health and Safety construction and planning laws apply to RAF Menwith Hill in the same terms as other defence establishments.