HC Deb 09 April 1974 vol 872 cc149-50
20. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the re-equipment of the British Army with the Lance weapon system.

Mr. Mason

The hon. Member will be aware that the previous administration made arrangements, in collaboration with our allies, for the purchase of Lance as a replacement for Honest John.

Mr. Wall

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the present tactical nuclear weapons of BAOR are obsolete and undertake to continue the policy of the previous Government of replacing Honest John by the Lance weapon system?

Mr. Mason

Yes, I can give the hon. Gentleman that assurance. However, all these weapons systems will be subject to review during the next few months when I undertake my major defence review.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us when the review is likely to be finished and when we may expect the White Paper?

Mr. Mason

The White Paper will not be available until the review is complete, which will be towards the end of this year.