§ 2. Mr. Leslie Huckfieldasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will make a statement about the United Kingdom's participation in, and proposals for, a multiple independent targeted re-entry vehicle missile programme.
§ Lord BalnielMeasures to maintain the effectiveness of the Polaris force are kept under continuing review but it would not be in the public interest to disclose information about them.
§ Mr. HuckfieldCan the Minister say that there is no possibility of Britain participating at least in a research programme? Can he say also that there is no intention by Britain to "MIRV" the weapons which Polaris submarines carry as there is a danger and a possibility that this will be done by the United States?
§ Lord BalnielI cannot give that assurance because I cannot disclose information on this kind of subject. The House will appreciate that the effect of the deterrent policy would be reduced substantially if we were to release information which would enable a potential aggressor to assess the risk from that deterrent.
§ Mr. Frank AllaunDo the SALT talks in any way prevent the provision of further United States nuclear knowledge to Britain? If so, would not the cost of providing a new generation of British nuclear weapons be absolutely ruinous?
§ Lord BalnielThese are such highly technical matters that I would be grateful if the hon. Member would put down a specific question about them. I can assure him that in the review which we are undertaking we have very much in mind the implications of the strategic arms limitation agreement.
§ Mr. HattersleyI know that the right hon. Gentleman accepts freely that any conversion of the Polaris fleet would have to be decided a number of years before it was put into effect. Can we be assured that if and when that decision is made by the Government the House of Commons will be told?
§ Lord BalnielThe House of Commons will be given the appropriate information by the Government of the day.