Written question asked by Caroline Lucas (Green Party) on Tuesday, 8 June 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 June 2010. It was answered by Gerald Howarth (Conservative) on Tuesday, 15 June 2010 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Nuclear Weapons

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the exchange programme between the Ministry of Defence Police and Guarding Agency Special Escort Group and the United States Office of Secure Transportation remains in force; how many (a) US and (b) UK staff have undertaken exchange visits under the terms of the programme; and whether the programme took place under the auspices of the 1958 US-UK Mutual Defence Agreement.

Answer: There is no formal exchange programme. The Ministry of Defence Police and Guarding Agency Special Escort Group and United States Office of Secure Transportation (OST), who have similar national roles, have, over the last five years taken part in short visits and meetings to share best practice and to discuss matters of common interest.During this period, 10 Special Escort Group Personnel have visited OST. The number of OST personnel who have visited the UK is not held in the format requested. However, I can confirm that the visits took place under the auspices of the 1958 UK/US Mutual Defence Agreement.

Secondary information