§ 19. Mr. Hugh Jenkinsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what request he has made to the United States Government to share nuclear secrets with France as a precondition of talks between the Common Market countries, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America on economic and monetary matters.
§ 24. Mr. Moyleasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what approaches he has received from the United States Government suggesting talks between the United States of America and the United Kingdom and other Governments on the wider sharing of United States of America secret information on nuclear weapons.
§ Mr. RipponNone, Sir.
§ Mr. JenkinsIn that case, what is the point of the Prime Minister talking about nuclear sharing with France? If the Government propose to break the nonproliferation agreement, should not they give notice of their intention so that the House can attempt to dissuade them from so disastrous a course?
§ Mr. RipponThat is a hypothetical question about something that has never happened.
§ Mr. MoyleWould not the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that there have been some approaches on these matters, and is it not difficult to separate civil from military information? Will he tell the House as soon as any exchange of military nuclear information is likely to take place?
§ Mr. RipponThe answer is perfectly clear when I say "None, Sir". As I have made clear frequently in the House, neither nuclear defence nor defence in 944 general formed any part of our negotiations with the Community, nor were there any representations in that regard.
§ Mr. MartenIn view of the nonproliferation treaty, surely a United Europe will never become a nuclear Power and certainly will never become a strong third world Power.
§ Mr. RipponMy hon. Friend from time to time uses the word "never" in this and in other connections. Experience shows that it is an unwise word to use.
§ Mr. HealeyHas not the French Defence Minister, as recently as a fortnight ago, reiterated his belief that any form of military nuclear sharing is impossible for France? In that case, are not the ideas to which the Prime Minister clings so tenaciously a dead duck?
§ Mr. RipponMy right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has made his views clear in this House on a number of occasions. None of these points arises out of this Question.
§ Mr. JenkinsIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I wish to give notice that I shall seek to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.