Nuclear Weapons (B.A.O.R.)

HC Deb 12 June 1968 vol 766 c210

5. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when the present tactical nuclear weapons in the British Army of the Rhine will be replaced.

Mr. John Morris

We plan to replace our current capability in the 1970s.

Mr. Wall

With what? Will it be American tactical nuclear weapons, or are we planning to develop our own?

Mr. Morris

No decision has yet been reached, but we are watching with interest American developments in this field.

Mr. Allason

Is there not a much earlier requirement for tactical nuclear weapons? Is this not a matter of years but rather of months?

Mr. Morris

No. I would reject that completely. We are quite able to fulfil our N.A.T.O. commitments with what we have.