§ Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what research his Department will undertake into the radiation effects of an X-bank radar on UK soil; [100665]
(2) what discussions he has had with the US on the siting of (a) an X-bank radar and (b) interceptor missiles in the UK; and if he will make a statement. [100666]
1246W
§ Mr. HoonThe Ministry of Defence keeps in touch with the United States Administration on possible future developments in missile defence. The United States has undertaken to extend missile defence coverage and make missile defence capabilities available to the United Kingdom, subject to technological developments and our willingness to participate in such a system. This would involve the siting of interceptors in Europe. Decisions on whether the UK should seek to acquire missile defences, and the location and provision of interceptors, are for the future, in the light of the prevailing security circumstances at the time. We have no reason to expect a request to site a missile defence X-band radar in the United Kingdom. The Ministry of Defence does not therefore intend to undertake or commission any research into radiation effects.