§ 22. Mr. Blakerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the present state of negotiations for the establishment of the Atlantic Nuclear Force.
§ Mr. George ThomsonAll aspects of the nuclear defence of the Atlantic Alliance fall to be considered by the consultative bodies established for that purpose by the North Atlantic Council last December.
§ Mr. BlakerIs the right hon. Gentleman actually suggesting that the A.N.F. still represents the Government's policy? If so, can he tell the House what progress has been made on it over the last two years, and is it being actively considered now?
§ Mr. ThomsonI do not think there is much active interest in the A.N.F. at the moment. Interest is concentrated, as it ought to be, on this new nuclear consultation machinery which Her Majesty's Government played so prominent a part in forming. It is important to see that it settles down and works well.
§ Mr. RankinDoes my right hon. Friend want us to believe that our attempts to get an Atlantic Nuclear Force harmonise with our attempts to get a non-proliferation treaty?
§ Mr. ThomsonYes, Sir. We always made it clear in any nuclear proposals we put forward that they are entirely consistent with a non-disseminatory agreement.