§ 5. Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence what communications he has had from the United States Defence Secretary on problems of the emplacement of nuclear weapons on the seabed, such as the installation of nuclear silos on the North Atlantic Ridge; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Denis Healey)None, Sir, but of course my Department is in close touch with the Department of Defence on all aspects of military use of the seabed.
§ Mr. DalyellHas my right hon. Friend had time to reflect on the proposals of Senator Clairborne Pell, of Rhode Island, which have been sent to him? Is he in the process of drawing any conclusions?
§ Mr. HealeyI think my hon. Friend has a Question down to my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary on the disarmament aspect of the problem. The Government are as anxious as all hon. Members that the international efforts to prevent the emplacement of nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction on the sea bed should be attended by success.