Written question asked by Lord Taylor of Goss Moor (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 26 July 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 19 October 1999. It was answered by Peter Kilfoyle (Labour) on Tuesday, 19 October 1999 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when his Department started discussions with the United States Government on the decision to invest in the US National Ignition Facility; with which US Government departments these discussions have been held; to which United States Government department, and on what date, his Department notified the decision to invest in this facility; whether the decision to invest in this facility will be covered by a Memorandum of Understanding; when his Department expects to formalise the decision in a contract with the US; and with which United States Government department this contract will be signed.

Answer: Mr. Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when his Department started discussions with the United States Government on the decision to invest in the US National Ignition Facility; with which US Departments these discussions have been held; to which United States Department, and on what date, his Department notified the decision to invest in this facility; whether the decision to invest in this facility will be covered by a memorandum of understanding; when his Department expects to formalise the decision in a contract with the US; and with which United States Department this contract will be signed. [93932] Mr. Kilfoyle: Discussions between officials of my Department and the US Department of Energy on the possibility of optimising National Ignition Facility (NIF) technology began in September 1998. Written confirmation of the United Kingdom's decision to invest in the NIF was conveyed to the US Department of Energy on 9 June 1999. The US Department of Defense was also made aware of out intentions. The arrangements, which are being made under the aegis of the 1958 UK-US Mutual Defence Agreement, will be formalised in a number of contracts covering the procurement process between my Department and the US Department of Energy.

Secondary information