Ballistic Missile Attack (Warning System)

HC Deb 19 January 1987 vol 108 cc455-6W

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how long it would take for the ballistic missile early warning system sites to confirm a ballistic missile attack on the United Kingdom.

Mr. Stanley

Warning time depends on the range, launching point and tragectory of the missile. We believe the time would vary from four to 10 minutes, depending on these factors.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what early warning capability the United Kingdom possesses to detect an attack on the United Kingdom by submarine-launched ballistic missiles from the Arctic ocean region.

Mr. Stanley

An attack on the United Kingdom by ballistic missiles launched from submarines patrolling in the Arctic ocean region would be detected by the BMEWS radars at RAF Fylingdales.