HC Deb 13 December 1961 vol 651 cc426-8
15. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Minister of Defence what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government within the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation regarding control by the Organisation of nuclear weapons and warheads.

Mr. Amery

I have been asked to reply.

Her Majesty's Government support the present N.A.T.O. arrangements for the control of nuclear weapons. These are that the initial use of nuclear weapons by N.A.T.O. forces would require a specific order from the Supreme Commander, and that this would be subject to his obtaining political authorisation.

Mr. Allaun

But if atomic weapons are given, directly or indirectly, to N.A.T.O., is not that a concealed way of giving them to the German generals, since they are now more and more becoming a dominant force?

Mr. Amery

There are no plans or proposals for handing over any nuclear warheads or bombs to the German forces. Where they would be equipped under N.A.T.O. arrangements with a nuclear delivery system, the weapons would remain under the direct control of General Norstad and the warheads would be in United States custody.

Mr. Shinwell

If it comes to the knowledge of the right hon. Gentleman and of his colleague the Minister of Defence that Herr Strauss has made a proposal for the control not only of the weapons but of the warheads, will it be resisted by our representative at N.A.T.O.?

Mr. Amery

That is a different question. If the information had been different, I would, of course, have told the House. What the right hon. Gentleman is asking is a hypothetical question.

Mr. Mayhew

In the case of British troops, for example, nuclear warheads, although not under British control, are allocated to British formations. Can the Minister say whether the position is the same with the German formations?

Mr. Amery

Perhaps the hon. Member will put down a Question about that.

Mr. M. Foot

Why does the Ministry of Defence appear to be unaware of fresh proposals which are being strongly pressed by the German Government and which are known to everybody who reads the newspapers but which, apparently, the Ministry of Defence has not heard about?

Mr. Amery

The hon. Gentleman is, no doubt, a close student of the newspapers, but there are other channels of information as well.