HC Deb 13 November 1957 vol 577 c945
42. Mrs. Castle

asked the Minister of Defence to what extent it is now intended to equip our forces in South-East Asia and other overseas territories with nuclear tactical weapons.

Mr. Sandys

I have at present no statement to make on this subject.

Mrs. Castle

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the War Office is at present recruiting senior scientific officers to serve with a small detachment in Malaya, one of whose duties is to study the tactical use of nuclear weapons in the jungle? Does not this foreshadow the right hon. Gentleman's intention to extend his nuclear strategy from Europe to South-East Asia? Does he appreciate that this is causing a good deal of alarm in certain areas?

Mr. Sandys

As the hon. Member knows, she has a specific Question upon this point later on the Order Paper, and I should not like to anticipate the reassuring Answer which I believe she will receive.