HC Deb 07 May 1969 vol 783 cc449-50
41. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will now make a statement on his discussions with the West German Government regarding the use of nuclear weapons.

Mr. Healey

The Anglo-German study designed to establish guidelines for the tactical use of nuclear weapons by N.A.T.O. will be considered at the Ministerial meeting of the N.A.T.O. Nuclear Planning Group at the end of this month.

Mr. Allaun

While my right hon. Friend may believe that this collaboration gives N.A.T.O. greater control over future German nuclear activity, is it not possible that Bonn enthusiastically supports it for exactly the opposite reason?

Mr. Healey

Everything is possible, but I am convinced that the activities of the Nuclear Planning Group have done more to deal with the serious problems of nuclear control within the Alliance than anything that has previously happened. I think that the work which we are now doing is making a major political as well as military contribution to the solidarity of N.A.T.O. and peace in the West.

Mr. Shinwell

Will my right hon. Friend assure the House that if discussions with the West German Government on the subject of the possibility of any control, or partial control, by the West German Government over nuclear weapons in Europe should occur, they will not be regarded as confidential and that the House will be fully informed?

Mr. Healey

There is no question of giving control of nuclear weapons to anybody who does not possess nuclear weapons now. The purpose of the study which we are carrying out in the Nuclear Planning Group is to ensure that all members of the Alliance share a common doctrine on how these weapons should be used if their use ever became necessary.