HC Deb 02 June 1960 vol 624 c1632
42. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Prime Minister whether the speech of the Minister of Defence about rockets, missiles, and the nuclear deterrent, made at the Micro-Cell Factory, Camberley, on 20th May, represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I have been asked to reply.

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Hughes

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider it advisable for the Minister of Defence to boast about his defence arrangements when they are so inefficient? What is the purpose of boasting that a bomber can take off from the ground in under four minutes when everybody realises that in the next five minutes there will probably be action which wipes out the defences?

Mr. Butler

I cannot follow all the complication of the hon. Member's question. My right hon. Friend made a particularly forceful speech on the occasion of the opening of the factory in his constituency, and his views are endorsed and supported by Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. S. Silverman

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that that statement contains the clear indication that there are circumstances, though undefined, in which this country would use nuclear weapons first? Does he not further realise that to say that we would use nuclear weapons first is merely a prescription for national suicide?

Mr. Butler

That matter is dealt with by Question No. 46. I think we had better wait until then.