HC Deb 22 October 1985 vol 84 cc134-5W
13. Mr. Geraint Howells

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what studies he has made on the effect of the strategic defence initiative on his deterrence strategy.

Mr. Heseltine

The effectiveness of NATO's policy of deterrence is kept under constant review. The United States strategic defence initiative is a long term research programme intended to investigate the technical feasibility of defences against ballistic missiles. It would be premature at this stage to form judgments about the outcome of the research.

35. Mr. David Atkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he next plans to meet his North Atlantic Treaty Organisation counterparts to discuss the strategic defence initiative.

Mr. Heseltine

I shall be meeting NATO Defence Ministers at the nuclear planning group meeting in Brussels at the end of this month, when I expect to discuss a variety of matters associated with the Alliance's policy on nuclear weapon issues.