§ 3. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Minister of Defence to what extent it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to retain independent nuclear weapons for so long as other countries possess them or have opportunities to acquire them.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftIt is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to retain an independent nuclear deterrent.
§ Mr. AllaunIs it not precisely this insistence by the Government that is being used by other countries as a main argument for becoming nuclear Powers themselves? In other words, are not the Government encouraging in this way the spread of A-bombs and H-bombs, which they are said not to be wishing to do?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftNo, Sir. The Question asked only what our policy is, and I have told the hon. Member what it is.