HC Deb 23 July 2004 vol 424 cc721-2W
Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many visits to RAF Menwith Hill were made by US personnel not resident or working on the base during 2002–03. [185896]

Mr. Ingram

During 2002–03 there were many visits to RAF Menwith Hill by US personnel. These ranged from VIP visits to short term visits associated specifically with work on various aspects of the Menwith Hill mission. The exact number of visits is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether requests for visits to RAF Menwith Hill are determined by his Department; and what discussions take place with the US authorities before the response to individual requests is determined. [185897]

Mr. Ingram

Her Majesty's Government retains control over the use of facilities at RAF Menwith Hill. Therefore any decision on who can and cannot visit RAF Menwith Hill, as well as other United States Visiting Force (USVF) bases, rests with the Government.

All requests by MPs to visit RAF Menwith Hill are referred to Defence Ministers. Due to national security considerations, visits to RAF Menwith Hill are restricted to those with an official oversight function such as Government Ministers and the members of the all-party Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC). US authorities have no part in this decision making process.

Working visits to the base by military and civilian staff are approved locally by the RAF Station Commander.

Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what rules of engagement(a) the American National Guard and (b) the US security police personnel apply concerning peaceful protesters found at RAF bases where they are stationed. [185936]

Mr. Caplin

It is not our practice to comment on UK Rules of Engagement or those of our US allies and the information is therefore withheld under Exemption 1 (Defence, Security and International Relations) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what procedures have been agreed between the US visiting forces and personnel and the Ministry of Defence Police Agency to deal with peaceful protesters at RAF Menwith Hill. [185937]

Mr. Ingram

Peaceful protesters detected at RAF Menwith Hill are dealt with by Ministry of Defence Police using their powers according to their statutory office of Constable.

Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many RAF apprentices are(a) on secondment and (b) in training at RAF Menwith Hill; what the nature is of that training; and who is funding the training. [185939]

Mr. Caplin

The RAF apprentice scheme ceased in 1993.