§ 28. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for Defence why British H-bombs and Polaris missile warheads have not been fitted with electronic locks to prevent explosion by accident or without Governmental approval; and if he will now provide such locks.
§ Mr. John MorrisI am satisfied with the present arrangements for the protection against accidental firing and for the political and physical control of British nuclear weapons.
§ Mr. AllaunIf our precautions are adequate, why have America and Russia gone to the expense of fitting such locks? Might they not prevent an H-bomb accident which could trigger off a third world war?
§ Mr. MorrisI cannot answer for either of those two Governments, and they are the only authorities who could give reasons for doing this. My hon. Friend, who studies these matters, will know that the United States is in a special position in that it provides nuclear warheads allocated to launch vehicles and aircraft of other N.A.T.O. countries, and the fitting of electronic locks could contribute to the fulfilment of the United States legal requirement to retain custody and control of these warheads. I have no details of any electronic locks fitted by the Soviet Union to its nuclear weapons.
§ Mrs. EwingIs the hon. Gentleman aware that some of us who live in the industrial belt of Scotland and who have these deadly weapons situated on our doorstep are made more concerned by his answer? Is not the best way in which to avoid an explosion not to have these weapons at all?
§ Mr. MorrisMy answer will only add to the concern if the hon. Lady does not believe what I say.