26 June 2000

Ann Clwyd:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what bilateral discussions with (a) Canada and (b) Denmark there have been on developing criteria for the formulation of a decision on National Missile Defence. [126957]

Mr. Vaz:
We have had a number of discussions with the Canadian and Danish Governments--both bilaterally, and in NATO--on US National Missile Defence plans. These discussions have not included the development of criteria for a decision on National Missile Defence. It is for the United States to decide whether or not to proceed with deployment of a US National Missile Defence system. The US Administration have said that such a decision would be made by the President on the basis of four criteria, namely: the threat; costs; technological feasibility; and wider international implications, including for arms control.

Ann Clwyd:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the 2001 budget and staffing levels for the ballistic missile defence component of the Technology, Readiness and Risk Assessment programme. [126951]

Mr. Hoon:
The Technology Readiness and Risk Assessment Programme is a three-year programme begun in July 1998. £12.5 million has been allocated for the overall programme, the work for which is being shared between the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) and four UK defence contractors. The wide-ranging and consultative nature of the programme means that it is not possible to provide precise details of staffing levels, but the core team comprises 25-30 staff.

Ann Clwyd:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a list of agreements on information exchange between the UK and USA with regard to anti-ballistic missile systems. [126943]

Mr. Hoon:
The 1985 Memorandum of Understanding relating to Co-operative Research for the Strategic Defence Initiative is the sole agreement which provides the basis for information exchange between the UK and USA with regard to Ballistic Missile Defence.

Ann Clwyd:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent expenditure there has been by DERA on research into and evaluation of anti-ballistic missile systems. [126950]

Mr. Hoon:
The recent research by DERA in the area of BMD has resulted from the MOD sponsored and funded study known as the Technology Readiness and Risk Assessment Programme (TRRAP). The three-year programme was begun in July 1998 at a cost of £12.5 million. Approximately 55 per cent. of the funds have been allocated to DERA with the balance allocated to UK industry.

Ann Clwyd:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence

1. if Field Marshal Sergeyev of the Russian Federation discussed ballistic missile defences at the meeting of the NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council on 9 June; and if he will publish the minutes of that meeting; [126941]

2. what discussions have taken place between his Department and representatives of the Russian Federation concerning ballistic missile defences; and if he will publish the minutes of the meetings. [126940]

Mr. Hoon:
The Government have discussed issues relating to the possible proposals for a US National Missile Defence system, and ballistic missile defence more generally, in the course of regular consultations with representatives of the Russian Federation on security- related issues. Most recently, the Russian Defence Minister, Igor Sergeyev presented in outline a Russian proposal on ballistic missile defence to NATO Defence Ministers in the NATO/Russia Permanent Joint Council on 9 June.

I am withholding records of these meetings under exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

Ann Clwyd:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent assessment NATO has made regarding the nature of the threat from ballistic missile proliferation. [126939]

Mr. Hoon:
NATO prepares periodic classified assessments of threats to Alliance interests including those presented by ballistic missile proliferation.

27 June 2000

Ann Clwyd:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence

1. what criteria the Government will employ in making a decision on the deployment of a national missile defence system; [126947]

2. if the results of his Department's Technology, Readiness and Risk Assessment programme will be available before a decision is taken on whether to allow UK facilities to be used in a US national missile defence system; [126949]

3. on what basis a decision will be made on whether to allow the USA to upgrade the facilities at Fylingdales for a national missile defence system; [126948]

4. what recent discussions there have been between the UK and the USA regarding options for locating anti-ballistic missile sites in the UK; [126942]

5. what assessment he has (a) made recently and (b) plans to make of the impact of a national missile defence system on the security of the UK. [126946]

Mr. Hoon:
We have discussed, and continue to discuss, a range of aspects of possible proposals for a US National Missile Defence system with the United States. The US has not asked for UK assistance in the deployment of the proposed system, nor would we expect them to do so until after a US decision on whether to proceed with its deployment. In discussions with the US Administration we have made it clear that the UK would consider any such request carefully, taking into account a wide range of factors, including the implications for UK defence.

The MOD's Technology Readiness and Risk Assessment Programme is due to be completed next summer. I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Chingford and Woodford Green (Mr. Duncan Smith) on 12 June 2000, Official Report, column 451W.

Ann Clwyd:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if NATO has (a) carried out and (b) is undertaking research into ballistic missile defences. [126938]

Mr. Hoon:
We are not aware of any research carried out or being undertaken by NATO into ballistic missile defences. The Ministry of Defence has, however, contributed to NATO studies on the subject, including preparations for studies into the feasibility of theatre ballistic missile defence. We expect these studies to start next year.

Ann Clwyd:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions have taken place between the UK and the USA on sea-based ballistic missile defences. [126945]

Mr. Hoon:
The UK is not directly involved in the US sea-based Theatre Missile Defence programme but limited information exchange and collaborative research has been undertaken.

Ann Clwyd:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what (a) information exchange and (b) co-operation there has been between his Department and the US (i) Department of Defense and (ii) State Department concerning the US Airborne Laser. [126944]

Mr. Hoon:
The Ministry of Defence has received limited information from the Department of Defense on the US Airborne Laser programme. There has been no discussion or co-operation on this matter between the MOD and the Department of State.