§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
What effect on 'Front Line First' calculations and recommendations British participation in the United States missile defence plan is likely to have;
Whether they intend to participate in the United States 25 billion dollar "counterproliferation" missile defence plan;
What they expect the cost of British participation in the United States missile defence plan to be;
Whether the United States missile defence plan has been discussed with Russia, whose agreement would be required for any amendment to the anti ballistic missile treaty;
Whether they intend, or are prepared to consider, collaborating with Israel on the United States missile defence plan; and
Whether they intend to consult Parliament before deciding to participate in the United States missile defence plan; and if not, why not.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Viscount Cranborne)Should the UK decide it has a requirement for missile defence, we will examine all available collaborative options and partners.