HL Deb 20 March 1997 vol 579 cc82-3WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in view of development relating to the militarisation of space, in particular the development by the USA of new "satellite killers" and of lasers for use from converted Boeing 747s, the time has come to seek a uniform upward definition of national airspace; and

Who is responsible for monitoring the air sovereignty of the United Kingdom, and whether he or she has been given any indication of the upper limits of this sovereignty, and if so, what it is.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

The responsibility for maintaining the integrity of sovereign British airspace lies with our armed forces. No particular circumstances have arisen which have caused us to define the upper limits of British airspace. We do not consider that the negotiation of an agreement on national airspace should be a priority of the international community.

Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it remains their view that there is no need to take steps to prevent an arms race in space, given the developments announced by the USA of new "satellite killers" and of lasers intended for use from converted Boeing 747s from above national airspace; and

Whether they welcome the developments announced by the USA of new "satellite killers" and of lasers intended for use from converted Boeing 747s, from above national airspace, and whether these aircraft would be permitted to use British airspace.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

The systems to which the noble Lord refers are still in the earliest stages of development and we have not considered the detailed implications for the United Kingdom of any eventual deployment. We do not believe an arms race in outer space presents an imminent danger and we believe that the existing international instruments are adequate.

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