HC Deb 26 June 2000 vol 352 c409W
Ann Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a list of agreements on information exchange between the UK and USA with regard to anti-ballistic missile systems. [126943]

Mr. Hoon

The 1985 Memorandum of Understanding relating to Co-operative Research for the Strategic Defence Initiative is the sole agreement which provides the basis for information exchange between the UK and USA with regard to Ballistic Missile Defence.

Ann Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent expenditure there has been by DERA on research into and evaluation of anti-ballistic missile systems. [126950]

Mr. Hoon

The recent research by DERA in the area of BMD has resulted from the MOD sponsored and funded study known as the Technology Readiness and Risk Assessment Programme (TRRAP). The three-year programme was begun in July 1998 at a cost of £12.5 million. Approximately 55 per cent. of the funds have been allocated to DERA with the balance allocated to UK industry.

Ann Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if Field Marshal Sergeyev of the Russian Federation discussed ballistic missile defences at the meeting of the NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council on 9 June; and if he will publish the minutes of that meeting; [126941]

(2) what discussions have taken place between his Department and representatives of the Russian Federation concerning ballistic missile defences; and if he will publish the minutes of the meetings. [126940]

Mr. Hoon

The Government have discussed issues relating to the possible proposals for a US National Missile Defence system, and ballistic missile defence more generally, in the course of regular consultations with representatives of the Russian Federation on security-related issues. Most recently, the Russian Defence Minister, Igor Sergeyev presented in outline a Russian proposal on ballistic missile defence to NATO Defence Ministers in the NATO/Russia Permanent Joint Council on 9 June.

I am withholding records of these meetings under exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.