§ 10. Mr. Shinwellasked the Minister of Defence what consultations there have been with General Norstad and his successor in regard to a nuclear policy for the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, in the light of the possession of independent nuclear weapons by the United Kingdom and France.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftGeneral Norstad's views on nuclear policy are well known to the North Atlantic Council. No doubt the Council will wish to know the views of his successor in due course.
§ Mr. ShinwellWill the Minister of Defence resist any attempt to create a N.A.T.O. nuclear organisation? Is he aware that while I am somewhat sceptical of the value of what is called the independent nuclear deterrent, I would rather have that than have us place the whole of our nuclear defence in the hands of N.A.T.O., which would include various Continental countries about which I am very suspicious?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI will certainly bear the right hon. Gentleman's suggestions in mind.
§ Sir J. DuncanIs the statement in the Question accurate—that France has an independent nuclear weapon?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftShe certainly has the capacity to make an independent nuclear weapon, and the knowledge of how to do so.