§ Q7. Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Prime Minister which Ministers are responsible for carrying out the policies of Her Majesty's Government regarding the Atlantic Nuclear Force.
§ The Prime MinisterDecisions concerning the nuclear organisation of the Atlantic Alliance are a matter for the Government as a whole. Responsibility for carrying out this policy rests primarily with my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Foreign Affairs and Defence as appropriate.
§ Mr. Bruce-GardyneBefore the Prime Minister hands over responsibility for this particular item in his bag of tricks, can he give a simple answer to a simple 1239 question? Is it still the intention of Her Majesty's Government to achieve early allied agreement on the Allied Nuclear Force?
§ The Prime MinisterThe simple answer to the hon. Gentleman is, "Yes, Sir." But he will also understand[HON. MEMBERS: "Ah:"]—the simple answer is "Yes, Sir." He will also understand that in the last two or three meetings of N.A.T.O. we have had other and more urgent matters to deal with.