HC Deb 11 February 1971 vol 811 cc766-8
8 and 9. Mr. Booth

asked the Minister of State for Defence (1) what communication he has received from the French Ministry of Defence regarding nuclear weapons; and what reply he has sent;

(2) whether Her Majesty's Government have made proposals to the French Government for the joint development of nuolear weapons or the exchange of information.

Lord Balniel

We have received no communication from the French Ministry of Defence about nuclear weapons and we have made no proposal to it.

Mr. Booth

Since the Government have received no proposal from the French Ministry of Defence for co-operation in the use or manufacture of nuclear weapons, will the Government take that as an indication that the French Government wish to have no such co-operation? Will the Minister accept that, in view of this, the Conservative Party's previously-proposed policy for Anglo-French nuclear co-operation should be dropped? If he is not prepared to do so, does he at least agree that before any such co-operation is proposed or negotiated the United Nations should have a chance to examine whether it would involve a breach of the non-proliferation treaty?

Lord Balniel

The whole basis of the hon. Gentleman's question is hypothetical, because, as I have already explained to the House, discussions between ourselves and the French Government on nuclear collaboration must depend on establishing a closer identity of purpose as to the broad strategic purposes in which we are both interested. That does not exist at present, and therefore the question is hypothetical.

Dr. David Owen

Will the Minister confirm that under the Nassau Agreement as the communiqué made clear in paragraphs 6 and 8, Polaris missiles were assigned to N.A.T.O. nuclear forces and targeted according to N.A.T.O. nuclear plans, and that, therefore, while the French continue their present attitude to N.A.T.O., it would be impossible to conduct any discussions on nuclear collaboration?

Lord Balniel

The hon. Gentleman is correct in saying that the British Polaris force is assigned to N.A.T.O. and that any proposal such as has been put forward for Anglo-French nuclear collaboration would require the most careful consideration.

19. Mr. Roderick

asked the Minister of State for Defence what proposal Her Majesty's Government have made to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation for co-operation with French forces in the use of nuclear weapons or for pooling of French nuclear weapons within the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

Lord Balniel

None, Sir.

Mr. Roderick

In that case can the Minister confirm that the policy as enunciated at the election by his party, that of co-operation with the French in these matters, is to be dropped?

Lord Balniel

The policy is to secure a greater European contribution to the N.A.T.O. alliance. That has always been our policy and it remains our policy.

Mr. Latham

May I ask the Minister whether he is in a position to confirm reports that the French will have their first Polaris submarine operational this year, expect to have their fourth by 1975 and yet are lagging behind in techniques of missile warhead production? Can he give an assurance that any approach by the French Government asking the British Government to supply such warheads will be rejected? Can he further give an assurance that any approach to the United States will be discussed with the British Government, as a fellow-member of N.A.T.O.?

Lord Balniel

I am anxious to help the House, but I cannot answer questions on behalf of the United States Government or the French Government. The question which the hon. Gentleman raises is entirely hypothetical.

Mr. Fell

Can my hon. Friend give me any reason why the Opposition seem to be so much against the build-up of the defences of the West?

Lord Balniel

I have just said that I cannot answer for the French or United States Government. Thank heavens I do not have to answer for the Opposition.

Mr. Fell

Can my hon. Friend give me any reason why the Opposition seem to be so much against the build-up of the defences of the West?

Lord Balniel

I have just said that I cannot answer for the French or United States Government. Thank heavens I do not have to answer for the Opposition.

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