HC Deb 07 May 1969 vol 783 cc442-4
24. Mr. Brooks

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation has yet discussed the effects on West European defence of the United States' decision to proceed with a thin anti-ballistic missile system and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Healey

No formal discussions have been held on the decision announced by President Nixon on 14th March, but as with the many other subjects of common interest in N.A.T.O., some informal discussion has taken place. I am unable however to disclose details.

Mr. Brooks

Would my right hon. Friend not agree that for the Americans to invest £3½ billion in a system designed to protect the Minuteman missile sites is bound to increase tension, is bound to accelerate the arms race, and may well involve a strategic reappraisal of the whole cold war situation, which would be very damaging to us? Is he aware that in The Times this morning there is a report that apparently the President of the United States, in certain circumstances involving this so-called safeguard missile system, might delegate his authority to order the firing of these weapons?

Mr. Healey

My hon. Friend must recognise that the Soviet Government are proceeding with the deployment of their anti-ballistic missile system. I know that the American Administration are deeply anxious to negotiate with the Soviet Union a mutual agreement that neither side will deploy new strategic weapons, offensive or defensive, such as the A.B.M. system. But the rationale given by President Nixon for the deployment of this system is to ensure that America never has to fire strategic weapons systems first. I should have thought that that was an objective which commanded the support of all hon. Members.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

I am delighted to hear the right hon: Gentleman say that. Since our security as well as that of the United States rests upon an invulnerable second strike, what is wrong with the Americans guaranteeing that that second strike should be effective?

Mr. Healey

With respect to the hon. Gentleman and to my hon. Friend, it is not for me to decide at the moment whether the American decision is wise in the light of America's problems. Certainly the rationale presented for the system is one that commends itself to both sides of the House.