Written question asked by Phyllis Starkey (Labour) on Wednesday, 5 April 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 11 April 2000. It was answered by Keith Vaz (Labour) on Tuesday, 11 April 2000 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his Answer of 4th April, Official Reference column 408W, if, in his discussions with the US Secretary of State, he (a) indicated UK (i) opposition to or (ii) support for the proposed national missile defence system and (b) offered UK co-operation over the proposed system.

Answer: Dr. Starkey: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 4 April 2000, Official Report, column 408W, if, in his discussions with the US Secretary of State, he (a) indicated UK (i) opposition to or (ii) support for the proposed national missile defence system and (b) offered UK co-operation over the proposed system. [118318] Mr. Vaz: The US has not asked for UK assistance in the deployment of the proposed National Missile Defence system, nor would we expect them to do so until after a US decision on whether or not to proceed with its deployment. In our discussions with the US Administration on the subject, we have made clear that the UK would consider any such request carefully. We have also welcomed the fact that the US will make their deployment decision on the basis of a number of important factors, which will include taking account of the views of Allies and the status of the Anti Ballistic Missile Treaty.

Secondary information