Laser-guided Weapons

HC Deb 13 May 1986 vol 97 c547

10. Dr. Marek

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department has undertaken any research into the accuracy of laser-guided weapons.

Mr. Norman Lamont

Yes, Sir.

Dr. Marek

If the Government have undertaken research into the accuracy of weapons that will be deployed if the SDI ever comes to fruition, can the Minister give any guarantees that the United States will not simply use this country for the technology that is available here and then use that technology without paying the proper price for it? What guarantees can the Minister give the House that that will not happen?

Mr. Lamont

The hon. Gentleman seems to be jumping from laser-guided weapons to the SDI agreement. We have made it clear to the House on many occasions that the memorandum of understanding that we have signed with the United States Government protects our own intellectual property rights and safeguards our freedom to exploit the fruits of British research in British companies. We are wholly satisfied on the point that the hon. Gentleman raises.