HC Deb 05 December 1957 vol 579 c603
47. Mr. Rankin

asked the Prime Minister what agreement has been reached with the United States of America regarding the setting up of nuclear stock piles by the United States in this country; and under whose control they will be.

The Prime Minister

Stocks of nuclear weapons are held in this country for the bomber aircraft of the United States Air Force that are based here. The use of the bases and aircraft is governed by the understanding reached in 1948 and reaffirmed in 1952.

Mr. Rankin

Does not the Prime Minister realise that this more or less complete alignment with the United States weakens the influence of this country as a moderating factor in easing the tension between Russia and the United States? Will he not think over this matter again to see if he cannot find some better solution?

The Prime Minister

The close co-operation between this country and the United States in this matter was initiated by the Government of which Lord Attlee was head and was followed by the Government on which my right hon. Friend the Member for Woodford (Sir W. Churchill) was head, and I think that those are two very good examples for me to follow.