HC Deb 04 November 1986 vol 103 c424W
22. Mr. Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of United Kingdom involvement in research and development related to the United States strategic defence initiative.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

So far SDI research awards to the United Kingdom amount to $17 million. Other prospects involving both Government research establishments and United Kingdom companies and research organisations are at advanced stages of negotiation, across a broad spectrum of research areas.

34. Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has had discussions with the United States Secretary of Defence concerning the progress of the strategic defence initiative programme since 13 October.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

My right hon. Friend had a very useful discussion with Mr. Weinberger on a range of issues, including the SDI research programme, at the nuclear planning group meeting in Gleneagles on 21–22 October. The details are confidential.

42. Mr. Flannery

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he has any plans to discuss the strategic defence initiative with his United States counterparts; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Younger

I have no immediate plans to do so. However, the strategic defence initiative is a subject covered in the frequent contacts between Ministers and officials of the British and United States Governments. Most recently it was discussed during the ministerial meeting of NATO's nuclear planning group at Gleneagles on 21–22 October. A copy of the communique of that meeting has been placed in the Library.