§ 12. Mr. Atkinsonasked the Minister of State for Defence if it is his intention to authorise the further testing of British nuclear weapons in the foreseeable future; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourI have nothing to add to what was said by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in answer to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, North-East (Mrs. Renée Short) on 17th May.—[Vol. 856, c. 1700.]
§ Mr. AtkinsonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that what he has said further confirms the idea that the British Government intend to produce a new range of nuclear tactical weapons and that it also gives further credence to the whole concept of an EEC defence force to supersede NATO, which no doubt in the Government's eyes would be equipped with miniature nuclear weapons?
§ Mr. GilmourVirtually nothing of what the hon. Gentleman has said can be read into my answer.
§ Mr. FellIf my hon. Friend finds it necessary in the future for the defence of the West to test nuclear weapons, will he undertake that he will be under no compunction whatever to do so?
§ Mr. GilmourMy right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has said that we are under an obligation to keep our nuclear weapons up to date. If that means testing, tests will be carried out. But it also follows that they will be carried out underground in conformity with the partial test ban treaty.