NORTH Yorkshire Police has investigated eight sudden deaths at Europe's biggest Army base over the past five years, it has been revealed.

Home Office Minister Hazel Blears said none of the deaths at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire had been referred to the Crown Prosecution Service.

She was responding to questions in the House of Commons by MP Kevin McNamara, who is campaigning for a public inquiry into non-combat deaths in the Army.

Ms Blears said two deaths took place in 1999, two in 2000, one in 2001, two in 2002 and one last year.

Three violent incidents involving military personnel at Catterick over the same five year period were also investigated by North Yorkshire police. One of those incidents, which took place in 2000, 2002 and last year, was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service said Ms Blears.

The police force advised against answering Mr McNamara's question of what the average response time by officers to incidents at Catterick Garrison was because of the sensitive nature of the garrison and the potential terrorist threat.

In response to questions, Ms Blears said no military authorities were able to deny police officers, who are acting in their performance of duty, access to Army premises.

She also said there were no guidelines at present devised by the Association of Chief Police Officers into the investigation of deaths on Army property.