§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the anti-tactical ballistic missile (ATBM) system that is being discussed with our NATO Allies (Mr. Archie Hamilton, HC Deb. 24th February 1987, col. 121) is not the system being developed by the United States Army Strategic Defense Command, which could be used either in an ATBM mode or as a last stage in an anti-strategic ballistic missile mode, and whether they will confirm Mr. Hamilton's statement that the systems are not related and that there is no danger of them becoming related.
§ The Minister of State for Defence Procurement (Lord Trefgarne)The studies referred to are examining what might be necessary for the defence of the European theatre against tactical ballistic missiles and are distinct from the United States studies to which the noble Lord refers. It is too early to assess the outcome of either set of studies.