§ 39. Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is satisfied with progress of implementation of the terms of the memorandum of understanding between the United States of America and the United Kingdom on the strategic defence initiative.
§ Mr. Norman LamontYes.
§ 51. Mr. Phillip Oppenheimasked the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made on plans for Her Majesty's Government participation in the strategic defence initiative.
§ Mr. Norman LamontSince my right hon. Friend the Member for Henley (Mr. Heseltine) announced to this House on 9 December the nature of the formal governmental agreement reached with the United States on United Kingodm participation in the strategic defence initiative research programme, further progress has been made in a number of areas. the SDI participation office within the Ministry of Defence is now operational. Negotiations on administrative arrangements to enable the memorandum of understanding to be implemented are well advanced. Our officials and companies are engaged in discussions with the United States SDI Organisation to further clarify potential areas for United States funded work to be placed in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Meadowcroftasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will review the implications of the strategic defence initiative for the defence of western Europe.
§ Mr. StanleyI cannot add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the then Secretary of State to the hon. Member for Ceredigion and Pembroke, North (Mr. Howells) on 22 October 1985 at columns 136–7.