§ Q3. Mr. Rankinasked the Prime Minister if he has noted the decision reached by the Parliamentary Assembly of Western European Union on the matter of the mixed-manned nuclear force; and whether he will now amend his policy on this subject, to take account of this new fact.
§ The Prime MinisterI presume that the hon. Gentleman is referring to Recommendation No. 98, on the State of European Security, which was adopted by the Assembly of Western European Union on 4th December. It contains no reference to the mixed-manned force; and the second part of the Question does not therefore arise.
§ Mr. RankinSurely the right hon. Gentleman is aware that at the recent meeting of Western European Union the idea of a multilateral force was opposed by Representatives who came from both sides of this House? In seeking to find a policy, has he taken that into consideration? In trying to find a policy to guide himself and the Government, will he remember also that, although the Battle of Trafalgar was won by a mixed-manned force, military and naval matters have changed a great deal since?
§ The Prime MinisterThis matter was certainly discussed, and I gather that the decision not to include in the Recommendation any reference to a mixed-manned force was because they wanted the Recommendation to be non-controversial and there would have been controversy if it had been included.
§ Mr. RidleyIs my right hon. Friend aware that the hon. Member for Glasgow, Govan (Mr. Rankin) has obviously not read the Amendment nor the Report to which it was tabled, and that those of us who were there voted for the Amendment because it contained no mention of a mixed-manned force?
§ Mr. Gordon WalkerIs the Prime Minister aware that the second part of 564 the Question, which he said would not arise, is still rather important, namely, whether he will amend policy on this matter? Can he tell us briefly whether he yet has a policy about the mixed-manned force?
§ The Prime MinisterI think the right hon. Gentleman knows the position perfectly well. This matter is being examined—[Hon. Members: "Oh."]
§ Mr. Gordon WalkerI know the position.
§ The Prime MinisterIf the right hon. Gentleman knows the answer—
§ Mr. Gordon WalkerI know the position.
§ The Prime MinisterThe answer is the position. It is being discussed in Washington and Paris, and we want to see what comes out of those discussions before we make up our minds.