Ballistic Missile Defence

HC Deb 07 November 2002 vol 392 cc465-6W

Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his statement in the debate on defence in the world on 17 October 2062,Official Report, columns 503–04W, how he plans to facilitate (a) public and (b) parliamentary discussion of ballistic missile defence and the future uses of RAF Fylingdales. [80366]

Mr. Hoon

As I said in the debate on 17 October, I intend to make available to Parliament and the public in the coming months some analytical and discussion material. We will be ready to discuss the issues in Parliament at the appropriate time.

Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department spent on technological and other appraisals of ballistic missile defence options, in each year since 1997. [80356]

Mr. Hoon

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 26 March 2002,Official Report, columns 849W–50W to the hon. Member for North Essex (Mr. Jenkin).

Joan Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will answer the question of 22 July from the hon. Member for Lewisham, Deptford. [79868]

Mr. Ingram

The information requested is still being collated. Once this is available, I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.