HL Deb 23 February 1987 vol 485 cc84-5WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Foreign and Commonwealth Office or the Ministry of Defence is the lead department in considering, together with our European NATO allies, the political and strategic implications of the Strategic Defence Initiative, and whether discussion with the United States on the same subject takes place with the US State Department or the Department of Defense.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Young): The Ministry of Defence takes the lead on UK participation in the SDI research programme. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office takes the lead on arms control and international treaty matters. Political and strategic implications are discussed frequently between the two departments and with their European and US opposite numbers.