HL Deb 12 February 1998 vol 585 cc216-7WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the implications for future British policy of British officers taking part in United States Air Force war games in which weaponised space-based vehicles, including two space-based lasers, were deemed to be involved, which if in place would breach internationalz law. [HL351]

The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Gilbert)

Participation by Armed Forces personnel in war games carries no implications for future British policy. On the legality of space-based lasers, I refer my noble friend to the reply given to him on 9 December 1997 by my noble friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office(Official Report, col. 17).