§ 49. Mr. Hugh Jenkinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether nuclear weapons are targeted on centres of population or on nuclear bases.
§ Mr. HealeyThe V-bomber force, which at present represents our contribution to the collective Western strategic nuclear deterrent, is assigned to N.A.T.O. and targeted in accordance with N.A.T.O. requirements. The same will be true of the Polaris force when it comes into service.
§ Mr. JenkinsIs my right hon. Friend aware that that is an extremely vague Answer—I suspect intentionally so? Is he further aware that, according to American strategic thinking, it is now suggested that nuclear weapons should be targeted on civil centres of population rather than upon nuclear bases? Has he any comments on this?
§ Mr. HealeyWith respect to my hon. Friend, his description of American strategic thinking is very far from the truth, though I am sure that hon. Members must know that the circumstances in which strategic nuclear weapons would be used would inevitably involve catastrophic suffering for both civilian and military personnel on both sides, and this is one of the reasons why we expect that these circumstances will never arise.
§ Mr. A. RoyleIs there a separate British targeting plan?
§ Mr. HealeyI think that I have already given some answer on this question, but I am not prepared to discuss contingency plans at all in this House, and no one would expect me to do so.