§ Mr. Terlezkiasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether the technology required to detect the launch of a ballistic missile at the instant of ignition is already available.
§ Mr. StanleyThe use of infra-red sensors mounted on satellites for the detection of heat sources such as ballistic missile exhaust plumes is an established technology.
§ Mr. Terlezkiasked the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the desirability of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation countries developing a ballistic missile defence system in view of the fact that the Soviet Union has expanded its ground-based ballistic missile defence system in contravention of the 1972 antiballistic missile treaty.
§ Mr. StanleyWe are discussing the implications of potential developments in ballistic missile defences with our allies, including the United States.