THERE was bad news for the two MPs vying for the ownership rights to the SAS this week.

Last week, this diary told the story of a lively exchange between Hereford's Paul Keetch and Leominster's Bill Wiggin in the chamber of the Commons.

Mr Wiggin leapt to his feet after Mr Keetch appeared to indicate the crack-squadron was based in his Hereford patch.

A disgruntled Mr Keetch said he had known that and Mr Wiggin should stop being so silly.

He pointed out: I was about to say that I do not have a base in my constituency now that 22 Special Air Services Regiment has moved two miles to the base at Credenhill.

Well, it seems both men got it wrong.

Because, according to official literature handed out by the MoD this week titled What do you know about defence in the Midlands? it is not in either MPs' constituency and never has been.

Lots of other buildings, regiments and estates are listed and there is even a picture of 1st Battalion Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment.

But the SAS barracks are not listed at all. Nor is there a single mention of the SAS.

Perhaps they are based in a different part of the country altogether?

Or perhaps not. It seems that, after last week's spat, the MoD has reverted back to its normal position.

The SAS does not exist at all.