§ 25. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the present policy of Her Majesty's Government in relation to firing control of nuclear missiles from mixed-manned vessels in view of current American policy that there will be no special rôle played by American officers in firing decisions; and, in view of the difficulties that are now becoming apparent particularly in regard to the exercise of control of nuclear missiles by West German officers, if he will give an assurance that he will oppose the future development of a mixed-manned force.
§ The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Peter Thorneycroft)All these matters are the subject of discussion in the Paris Working Group. No decisions have yet been reached there and Her Majesty's Government remain uncommitted to the M.L.F. project. It is, however, our assumption that an American veto would apply.
§ Mr. AllaunYes, but how does the Minister interpret the recent statement of the United States Administration
that there will be no special rôle in firing decisions by an American officer on board any ship"?Does that mean that in certain circumstances a German or other officer could himself order the firing of a nuclear missile? Is that the Government's policy?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftIt is not for me to answer for statements made by the American administration, but the quotation which the hon. Gentleman has read would be consistent with everybody having a veto.