HC Deb 13 June 2002 vol 386 c1349W
Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the bases where a US station commander exercised day-to-day operational control over the Ministry of Defence police at(a) 1 May 1997 and (b) 1 June 2002. [61410]

Dr. Moonie

US Station Commanders are responsible for security at their Stations and exercise day to day operational control over the Ministry of Defence Police in respect of site security duties. The Senior Police officer is responsible to the Chief Constable MDP in respect of the exercise of constabulary powers. MDP officers are currently deployed at RAF Alconbury, RAF Fairford, RAF Hythe, RAF Lakenheath, RAF Menwith Hill, US Navy London (Eastcote) and RAF Welford. These sites also had a MDP detachment on 1 May 1997.

Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many and what percentage of Ministry of Defence police serving on US bases in the UK are provided accommodation free of rent. [61184]

Dr. Moonie

Eight MDP officers stationed at bases made available to US Forces currently occupy housing made available by the Department. Although the officers are not paying rent, the accommodation has been made available in lieu of the payment of housing allowance.

Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who is paying the costs of the Ministry of Defence police on detached duties at Menwith Hill Station and Fylingdales, including indirect costs incurred through their presence. [61183]

Dr. Moonie

All costs connected with MOD Police at RAF Fylingdales are met from the Defence Budget. The cost of the authorised complement of MDP at RAF Menwith Hill and related costs are recovered from the US Authorities. The complement was increased with effect from 1 February 2002. Until officers are posted in on a permanent basis to fill the newly completed posts, cover is maintained using officers on temporary detachment. Costs are recovered as though all posts were filled on a permanent basis, enhanced to cover the additional costs associated with the detached duty while it continues.