asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether any discussions have taken place with the United States Air Force regarding the stationing of cruise missiles at any United States Air Force standby base in the South of England; and whether any application has been received or any plans made.(2) whether any discussions have taken place with the United States Air Force regarding the reactivation of any United States Air Force standby base in the South of England for permanent or temporary full-time use; and whether any application has been received or any plans made.
We are discussing with the Government of the United States the location of the 160 ground-launched cruise missiles to be based in this country. United States Air Force main operating and standby bases figure among the options, but it would be premature to speculate on the outcome at this stage.