§ Mr. Alan SimpsonTo ask the Prime Minister to what extent the events of 11 September have changed the assessment of protection afforded by the proposed national missile defence system. [15651]
§ The Prime MinisterThe proposed missile defence systems are not designed to protect against the type of attack seen on 11 September. The events of 11 September have shown however that there are those who will seek to attack, with whatever means are available, the United States, its friends and allies. In the future, this might include ballistic missiles. Our position with regard to missile 103W defence remains unchanged. We believe that it is important to tackle all these potential threats with a comprehensive strategy that includes arms control, counter-proliferation, diplomacy, deterrence and defensive measures. We understand the role that missile defence can play as one element of that comprehensive strategy, but as yet we have had no specific proposal from the United States.
§ Mr. Alan SimpsonTo ask the Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the compatibility of the Outer Space Treaty with the proposed US national missile defence programme as it applies to use of UK bases. [15652]
§ The Prime MinisterThe United States Administration have not yet decided how they will proceed with their missile defence programme and have made no requests for the use of facilities in the UK for missile defence purposes. Any specific assessment is therefore premature.