§ 13. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Lord Privy Seal if, at the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Ministerial meeting, Her Majesty's Government will oppose the United States proposal that Polaris submarines should be manned by crews drawn from the European members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.
§ 36. Mr. Swinglerasked the Lord Privy Seal to what extent, in the Bahamas agreement, it was envisaged that the German Federal Government should participate in the control of nuclear weapons.
§ Mr. HeathThe Nassau Agreement envisaged a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation multilateral nuclear force. The composition of the force, and arrangements for its manning, targetting, command and political control are for discussion in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. There are no proposals under consideration in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation for placing nuclear warheads under the independent control of any non-nuclear Power.
§ Mr. AllaunWhile I am partially relieved to hear the last part of that Answer, may I ask whether it would not contravene both the spirit and the intention of the Brussels Treaty if control of a submarine and Polaris missiles were given to a German commander or crew? Will Her Majesty's Government completely and resolutely oppose any such proposal should it be made later?
§ Mr. HeathThere is nothing in the Nassau Agreement or proposals as they have been put to N.A.T.O. to imply any change in the existing arrangements for the control and custody of nuclear warheads.
§ Mr. AllaunThe right hon. Gentleman has not given the undertaking for which I asked. Would it not be possible for such an undertaking to be given to the House today?