§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the US Administration has discussed with them the military partnership it now wishes to enter into with Russia, and how this accords with its commitments under NATO.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyThe US has consulted continuously with the UK and other allies on their proposals. A limited missile defence system to counter new potential threats is fully consistent with US commitments to NATO.
§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the US Administration has discussed with them the legal basis on which the US and Russia might now collaborate on anti-ballistic missile defences; whether this involves renegotiating the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty; and whether such a plan is not now properly a matter for the UN Security Council, given its potential for accelerating the acquisition by others of nuclear weapons or for precipitating competition in defences.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyWe have discussed with the US administration a range of issues relating to their proposals. Whether revision to the ABM Treaty is required is a decision for the two parties concerned. We do not regard this as a matter for the UN Security Council.