§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence if there will be any collaboration between the United Kingdom and the United States of America on research in connection with the strategic defence initiative.
§ Mr. ButlerAt her meeting with President Reagan last December, the Prime Minister told the President of her firm conviction that the strategic defence initiative research programme should go ahead. Any British Government involvement in the programme depends upon future discussions. The involvement of British companies would be covered by normal trading arrangements.
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence what are the implications for the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the defence of Western Europe of the United States strategic defence initiative.
§ Mr. StanleyThe strategic defence initiative is a long term research programme still in its early stages. Its overall aim is to enhance deterrence, the maintenance of which is central to the security of NATO.