§ 45. Mr. Haleasked the Prime Minister to what extent the provisions that nuclear weapons shall not be used in case of war without the authority of the Prime Minister, apply to tactical or kilo-ton anti-tank weapons and to nuclear anti-aircraft defensive weapons by land and sea.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)The arrangements for the control of the use of nuclear weapons apply to all types of such weapons.
§ Mr. HaleI am very grateful for that Answer, but would the Prime Minister be good enough to go just one stage further and say that that decision will not be altered without informing the House?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir.
§ Mr. GaitskellDoes the Prime Minister mean by that reply that the Governments concerned, as well as the generals, must give their authority before these nuclear weapons can be used on the Continent of Europe?
§ The Prime MinisterThe question was whether there is any distinction between different types of nuclear weapons and my Answer was that the same arrangements would apply; that is, a positive decision by Her Majesty's Government would be required in relation to all kinds of nuclear weapons.
§ Mr. GaitskellIt is obvious that the anti-tank weapons referred to in my hon. Friend's Question are more likely to be used on the Continent of Europe. That being so, would not the Prime Minister make it plain what the arrangements are in relation to those weapons?
§ The Prime MinisterWith regard to nuclear weapons of any kind—whether operating under independent British command or under Allied command—a positive decision by Her Majesty's Government would be required?