HL Deb 30 November 1994 vol 559 cc40-1WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Secretary of State for Defence in his recent visits, (a) to Israel and (b) to the United States discussed collaboration between the United Kingdom and Israel or between the United Kingdom and the United States, in the production of anti-missile systems (anti-ballistic, anti-cruise, anti-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, etc.) and other counter-proliferation equipment, either in the context of the United States "Counter-Proliferation Initiative" or otherwise, as reported in Aviation Week, 3rd October 1994, and if so to what effect.

Lord Henley

The Secretary of State had wide ranging discussions in his recent visits to both Israel and the United States. The topic of Theatre Missile Defence was discussed in general terms during the US visit and it was noted that Alliance co-operation was an important aspect. This discussion was not specifically in the context of the US "Counter-Proliferation Initiative".

Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What decisions the Secretary of State for Defence has taken with regard to British funding and development of counter-proliferation weapons and equipment; whether either of the two consortia that the Ministry of Defence has asked to tender for studies into the desirability of such developments has yet reported to him; and if so to what effect, and at what cost to the tax-payer.

Lord Henley

The decision to award a contract for a prefeasibility study to a consortium led by British Aerospace was announced to Parliament on 18th October. The study will be conducted over the next 18 months and will examine our national options and help inform future policy decisions, including whether the United Kingdom has a requirement for ballistic missile defence. In addition, the United Kingdom is participating actively in an assessment of the implications for NATO of the risks posed by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their associated delivery means. The primary focus will remain on prevention, but the Alliance will also consider defence measures against proliferation should prevention fail. Decisions on the funding and development of counter-proliferation weapons and equipment, including, as necessary, ballistic missile defence, will be taken in the light of both the NATO study and our own national assessment.