§ 9. Mr. Robert Syms (Poole)Which (a) current and (b) planned British military facilities and equipment could contribute to missile defence. [83964]
§ The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Geoffrey Hoon)The United States Administration have yet to make specific decisions about the precise future architecture of a United States missile defence system. However, as I told the House on 17 October, the US missile defence programme is gathering momentum, and there are plans to develop and evaluate options for a basic missile defence system. In that context, the United States has indicated that one of the options it is considering would involve an upgrade of the early warning radar at Fylingdales. We will consider any such request seriously and will agree to it only if we are satisfied that the overall security of the United Kingdom and the alliance will ultimately be enhanced.
§ Mr. SymsWhy are we being so timid? There is no doubt that the US will make such a request. The Government seem more concerned about opinion on their Back Benches than with doing the right thing for Britain.
§ Mr. HoonOver many years I have found it fairly sensible to answer questions only once they have been asked.