National Missile Defence System

HC Deb 13 April 2000 vol 348 cc261-2W

Dr. Starkey

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 4 April2000,Official Report,column 400W, if, in his discussions with the US Defense Secretary or the Deputy Defense Secretary, he (a) indicated UK (i) opposition to or (ii) support for the proposed national missile defence system and (b) offered UK co-operation over the proposed system. [118317]

Mr. Hoon

The US has not asked for UK assistance in the deployment of the proposed National Missile Defence system, nor would we expect them to do so until after a US decision on whether or not to proceed with its deployment. In my discussions with the US Administration on the subject, I have made it clear that the UK would consider any such request carefully. I have also welcomed the fact that the US will make their deployment decision on the basis of a number of important factors, which will include taking account of the views of Allies and the status of the Anti Ballistic Missile Treaty.