RAF Menwith Hill

HL Deb 05 June 2000 vol 613 cc128-9WA

Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will place in the Library of the House the contractual or other documents relating to the occupation of land known as RAF Menwith Hill by third parties. [HL2469]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

As with all sites made available for use by the United States visiting forces in the United Kingdom, RAF Menwith Hill is made available in accordance with the NATO Status of Forces Agreement of 1951, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House, and other arrangements appropriate to the relationship which exists between the Governments of the United Kingdom and United States for the purposes of our common defence. These other arrangements are confidential and are withheld under exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

There are also four grazing licences let over RAF Menwith Hill, in accordance with departmental policy to use the defence estate in the most efficient and economical way practicable. We consider these to contain commercially confidential information and to he private between the Ministry of Defence and the individuals concerned. I am withholding these documents under exemption 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.