"As soon as my Department recognised that an oversight had occurred, officials contacted North York Moors National Park Authority to explain the position. The subject was also discussed with representatives of the Council for National Parks at a meeting on 6 February.

"Work has currently ceased and will not restart until a retrospective Notice of Proposed Dvelopment and an approriate environmental assessment have been submitted and AGREED [my emphasis] by the Park Authority. You will be pleased to know that officials are currently working closely with the local planning authority, and every effort is being made to rectify the matter in line with their wishes and those of environmental agencies.

"My Department takes its responsibility for environmental isues seriously, and if NO OBJECTIONS ARE OFFERED [again my emphasis] to the security improvements, every effort will be made to ensure that the completion of the works will not irredeemably affect the area. The failure to follow correct planning procedures is regrettable and I can Assure you that steps have been taken to ensure this does not happen again.

"US of S for Defence (DR Lewis Moonie MP) received a copy of your letter via Alice Mahon MP. He will reply separately and send her a copy of his letter."

As far as I'm aware the only bases thus to upgrade their security are Fylingdales and Menwith Hill, the two bases earmarked for 'Star Wars'. The "incursion at Menwith Hill last July" was the anti-Star Wars Greenpeace action. Certainly the initiation of the security measures at Menwith Hill immediately followed that action. Thus the developments are directly connected to the Star Wars programme?

I am currently preparing a complaint about those elements at Menwith Hill for which no Notice of Proposed Development has been submitted.

Can you circulate this information and get the objections rolling in to the North York Moors Planning Authority, The Old Vicarage, Bondgate, Helmsley, N Yorkshire.

Regards, Anne.