§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for Defence which United Kingdom companies, universities and research institutions have indicated to his Department that they are interested in competing for research contracts 352W under the United States strategic defence initiative; and which of these are currently undertaking advanced information technology work under the Alvey programme.
§ Mr. Norman LamontA number of inquiries have been received from various sources concerning possible British participation in SDI research. Since the Government are still considering their position with regard to possible participation and in view of the confidential nature of some of the inquiries I am not able, at this stage, to provide the details requested.