Written question asked by Mark Pritchard (Conservative) on Friday, 9 October 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 October 2009. It was answered by Lord Davies of Stamford (Labour) on Monday, 12 October 2009 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Defence Equipment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will discuss with his US counterpart the development of a hyper-sonic mass technology joint capability.

Answer: The MOD's research into hyper-sonic mass technology ended in 2005 and it was determined that the technology did not offer cost effective alternatives to current capabilities. This position was reiterated in section B7 of the "Defence Technology Strategy," published October 2006 of which a copy is available in the Library of the House. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence will not be raising this issue with his US counterpart, Secretary Gates.

Secondary information