HC Deb 17 April 1973 vol 855 cc242-3
7. Mr. Atkinson

asked the Minister of State for Defence what is his policy towards the formation of a possible nuclear force in which all EEC member nations would participate.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

A European nuclear force remains a long-term possibility but there are no plans for pursuing this issue at present.

Mr. Atkinson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his reply that this project remains a long-term possibility will intensify the anxiety now being felt throughout Britain and Europe on the idea that ultimately a nuclear force may be formed with Community nations equally participating, and that ultimately the NATO force will be replaced by this new European concept? Is he further aware that the British Labour Party is overwhelmingly opposed to the idea that such a nuclear force should be established? Will he reconsider his answer?

Mr. Gilmour

I do not agree that there is overwhelming anxiety either in this country or in Europe on this matter. If the long-term possibility—and I stress long-term possibility "—of a European force ever came to pass, it would be part of NATO.

Mr. Marten

Before we become involved in a Euro force, can my hon. Friend the Minister say whether there has been progress in the possible re-equipping of our nuclear force with Poseidon?

Mr. Gilmour

No, Sir; I have nothing to add to what I have already said.

Mr. Peart

My hon. Friend the Member for Tottenham (Mr. Atkinson) has raised an important matter of European policy. Has there been a commitment of any kind to the concept of an Anglo-French nuclear deterrent?

Mr. Gilmour

No, Sir. As my right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has said many times, the discussions which we have had with the French Government have been only to the extent that we have both agreed that the problem of Anglo-French nuclear collaboration is one for the future.