27 Jun 2000 : Column: 433W

Written Answers to Questions

Tuesday 27 June 2000

DEFENCE

Missile Defence System

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]

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]

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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.

Porton Down

Mr. Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment the Chemical Defence Establishment at Porton Down has made of the toxicity to humans of (a) the nerve agent GF and (b) sarin GB. [127132]

Dr. Moonie: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Matthew Taylor, dated 27 June 2000:







Mr. Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment (Porton Down) has compiled since 1970 on individuals who took part in the service volunteer programme; and for what reasons. [127133]

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Dr. Moonie: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Matthew Taylor, dated 27 June 2000:





Mr. Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what dates the Health and Safety Executive has inspected the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment at Porton Down since 1 January 1996. [127134]

Dr. Moonie: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Matthew Taylor, dated 27 June 2000:






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