THE Government is now under pressure from Tory and Labour MPs for a full debate on whether the U.S. should be allowed to use RAF Fylingdales for missile defence.

Earlier this week, the Evening Press revealed that York MP Hugh Bayley was pressing for a Parliamentary debate on the upgrade of the radar base.

Mr Bayley has also asked Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon to visit York and RAF Fylingdales - which is crucial to President George W. Bush's "son of Star Wars" plans.

Now the Conservatives, who have also tabled a Commons Early Day Motion on the subject, have made their own call for Parliamentary time to be put aside when MPs return from the Christmas break.

They believe it is the Government's duty to give the U.S. a quick response to its request to use the base.

The motion, backed by more than 40 MPs, "calls upon the Government to respond promptly and positively to this long-anticipated request, notwithstanding the opposition to the ballistic missile defence previously expressed by more than 200 Labour backbenchers."

The leader of the Commons, Robin Cook, stopped short of promising a full debate in the New Year. But he said: "The Secretary of State, Mr Hoon, has made it plain that he will keep the House informed about what response the Government will make.

"The matter will, of course, be considered with great care. At an appropriate time after the House returns, I am sure that he will wish to make a statement to the House."

Updated: 12:12 Friday, December 20, 2002