Thermo-Nuclear Missiles

HC Deb 27 April 1959 vol 604 cc873-4

5. Mr. Warbey

asked the Minister of Supply with which European members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation his Department is co-operating in the development of Blue Streak or other thermo-nuclear missiles.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

None, Sir.

Mr. Warbey

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether West Germany has been included among the countries to whom his invitation was extended? If so, why are the Government encouraging West Germany to engage in research and development of weapons, which is forbidden by the Brussels Treaty?

Mr. Jones

The Government's invitation was conveyed to the N.A.T.O. countries in general, of which, of course, Germany is one. The Brussels Treaty does not, in fact, refer to research and development; it refers to production.