§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the extent of the threat posed to the United Kingdom by the development over the next decade of ballistic missile capability by countries which currently have no such capability. [10267]
§ Mr. SoamesWe consider it unlikely that any nation aspiring towards a ballistic missile capability will be able to develop systems capable of threatening the UK mainland within the next 10 years. However, there is no room for complacency and we will continue our efforts, with others, to halt the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, and will keep the situation under careful review.