---

Communications System

Mr. Menzies Campbell : To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the study of the communications system of the Royal Navy landing platform dock replacement to be completed.

---

Column 561

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle : The invitation to tender for the project definition of an integrated communications system for the landing platform dock replacement was issued in July 1991. Tenders are currently being assessed, and we hope to place a contract shortly.

Defence Systems

Mr. Menzies Campbell : To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy towards the United States global protection against limited strikes system.

Mr. Archie Hamilton : In January of this year, President Bush announced the refocussing of the SDI programme towards global protection against limited strikes. The United Kingdom's approach to anti-ballistic missile defence research and associated matters remains based on the agreements reached between the then Prime Minister

---

Column 562

and President Reagan at Camp David in 1984 and 1986. These are set out in paragraph 208 of the "Statement on the Defence Estimates 1988".

Military Custody

Mr. Mallon : To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many soldiers serving in Northern Ireland were taken into military custody in Northern Ireland since January 1991.

Mr. Archie Hamilton : Three soldiers have been bailed on condition that they were held in military custody for alleged civil offences committed whilst serving in Northern Ireland.

The statistics for the number of soldiers placed in military custody for military offences is not held centrally and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

---