Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Wallace of Saltaire (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Wednesday, 29 March 2006.

Armed Forces: US Missile Defence

Question: My Lords, I thank the Minister for that helpful Answer. Can the Government assure the House as to the kind of consultation that they will have with parties and Parliament when such a request comes? Does the Minister recognise that the current American Administration have a rather unilateral approach to their use of bases in other sovereign states and that the degree of extra-territoriality that some of us have already witnessed in US bases in this country is a little worrying? We are therefore concerned. It is a particularly sensitive subject, and we wish to ensure that there is full and open consultation, once an American request is made.

Answer: My Lords, I can assure the House that we recognise the complexity and sensitivity that surround these matters. It is in the context that we have had discussions on these matters for more than 20 years with the United States as the technology surrounding the possibility of missile defence has emerged. Given the recognition of the sensitivity, I will pass on to my right honourable friend the Secretary of State the point that the noble Lord has made about the need for full consultation on these matters.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 680 c775
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Deployment Parliamentary scrutiny Military bases USA Ballistic missile defence Guided weapons
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk