HC Deb 08 March 1961 vol 636 c450
21. Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for Air what checks are made on radar information liable to lead to nuclear alerts.

The Secretary of State for Air (Mr. Julian Amery)

It would not be in the public interest to disclose the procedures which would govern a decision to alert Bomber Command.

Mr. Brockway

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, since the assurance given to the House in December on this matter, there have been very disturbing happenings? Does he recall the disclosure that on 5th October, as a result of the malfunctioning of the warning station in Greenland, radar information indicated that long-range missiles had started to attack North America and we were very fortunate at that time to have Air Marshal Slemon of the Royal Canadian Air Force in charge who checked the matter otherwise? Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that when the warnings are received other warning stations will be checked so that there will he no calamity to mankind?

Mr. Amery

The indications to which the hon. Member refers were recognised as spurious on that particular occasion and no forces were alerted. This confirms us in the view that there is no risk of action based on spurious indications.