HC Deb 26 March 1985 vol 76 cc178-9W
8. Mr. Hoyle

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from the United States Government concerning the strategic defence initiative.

49. Mr. Haynes

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's allies on the strategic defence initiative.

Mr. Butler

My right hon. Friend has discussed the strategic defence initiative with the United States Secretary of Defence on a number of occasions, most recently when he accompanied the Prime Minister to the United States in February.

18. Mr. Batiste

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement concerning British participation in the strategic defence initiative.

43. Mr. Boyes

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what input, financial or manpower, the United Kingdom will make towards the United States star wars research project; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Butler

I can add little to the written answer I gave my hon. Friend on 15 March. I can confirm that we shall be discussing shortly with the United States Government how best to pursue this matter. As far as United Kingdom industry is concerned, it has a wide range of expertise in relevant areas of technology and we have already received expressions of interest from several of our leading defence companies. It is our intention to ensure that United Kingdom industry is kept as fully informed as possible.

22. Mr. Tony Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give his assessment of the effect of the United States strategic defence initiative on Britain's defence capability.

Mr. Butler

The 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 the nations of the NATO alliance.