§ 35. Mr. Altonasked the Secretary of State for Defence what consultations he has had concerning a battle management system for the strategic defence initiative.
§ Mr. Norman LamontThe arrangements between the United States and United Kingdom Governments provide the opportunity for United Kingdom participation in SDI research in a number of advanced areas, of which examples have been placed in the Library. The Ministry of Defence will assist United Kingdom organisations who so wish, and have relevent capabilities, to participate in such areas.
§ 39. Mr. Chopeasked the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the Soviet strategic defence initiative; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StanleyI refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Stafford (Mr. Cash) on 26 November 1985, at columns562–64.
§ 49. Mr. Sedgemoreasked the Secretary of State for Defence if United Kingdom companies taking part in strategic defence initiative research will be free to exploit the results of their research independently.
§ Mr. Norman LamontThe memorandum of understanding and supporting documentation related to British participation in the SDI research programme provide satisfactory safeguards in, amongst others, the area of intellectual property rights. The documentation is confidential.
§ 50. Mr. Michael Forsythasked the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the implications for his policy on the strategic defence initiative of the proposals in the recent publication by Dr. Colin Gray, "Britain and the SDI", a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Norman LamontHer Majesty's Government welcome the publication of any material which enhances the public debate on the strategic defence initiative. The United Kingdom's position on this subject remains as set out by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence in the House on 19 February 19816.
§ 52. Mr. Flanneryasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he has any plans to discuss with his American counterpart the possibility of British contracts connected with the strategic defence initiative.
§ Mr. Norman LamontMy right hon. Friend will be able to discuss any current matters affecting United Kingdom participation in SDI research when he meets Mr. Weinberger during his visit to London next week.