LIBERAL Democrat leader Charles Kennedy was quizzed over his party's stance on Menwith Hill listening station and the 'Son of Star Wars' missile defence system during his brief appearance at Leeds-Bradford Airport.

Mr Kennedy, who was joined by Harrogate MP Phil Willis, and a number of prospective parliamentary candidates, staged a press conference in Yeadon on Friday as part of his four-day flying visit to airports all over the country.

He spoke on the abolition of student tuition fees, and reduction of hospital waiting lists, but said the party was undecided over the North Yorkshire base and the controversial proposed US missile defence system.

The 'Son of Star Wars' system is intended to track and destroy long-range ballistic missiles. The plan would include upgrades of Menwith Hill, and Fylingdales early warning station, in North Yorkshire.

A number of nations claim it breaks international arms agreements, and

protestors say it will destabilise foreign relations.

Mr Kennedy said: "We have to tread with great care on this issue. This is an unproven proposal, and in a practical sense, far from being conclusive. President Bush has sent senior representatives around various capital cities, including Britain, to consult on the issue, having taken the decision, which is a strange one, to go about consultation."

He added: "We are far from persuaded. There is an unproven proposal on the table, and what we don't want to do is sign a blank piece of paper."

He flew from the airport to other press conferences in Newcastle and Glasgow.