§ 17. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Defence what tactical nuclear weapons are to replace the Honest John and eight-inch howitzer in the British Army of the Rhine; and when replacement will take place.
§ Mr. John MorrisNo decision has yet been taken on the replacement of Honest John. A replacement for the eight-inch howitzer will not be needed until the late 1970s.
§ Mr. WallIs not Honest John considered obsolete by both the American and the German Armies? When will the British Army of the Rhine be equipped with modern tactical nuclear weapons, on which the Secretary of State places so much reliance?
§ Mr. MorrisI think that the hon. Member has raised on a number of occasions the question of the replacement for the Honest John. When there is an available weapon we shall, of course, consider that matter, but there is no decision at the moment because there is no alternative available weapon, as the hon. Member fully knows.
§ Mr. PagetSince the real purpose of the tactical nuclear weapon is to show that the Americans accept the nuclear challenge, does it matter in the least what method launches it?