HC Deb 12 June 1979 vol 968 cc224-5
15. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the methods he proposes to adopt to counter the Soviet SS20.

Mr. Pym

As my hon. Friend knows, NATO has never sought to match particular systems deployed by the Warsaw Pact with particular systems of its own; but the deployment of such systems as the SS20 has increased the urgency of ensuring that NATO's longer-range theatre nuclear forces are kept up to date.

Mr. Wall

Is my right hon. Friend aware that NATO does not have a weapons system in its armoury that can match the 3,000 miles plus range of the SS20? Will he press ahead with our American allies to develop a cruise missile, and also, possibly, a mix with a new long-range tactical nuclear missile?

Mr. Pym

I assure my hon. Friend that I am already pursuing the possibilities and options for modernising our theatre nuclear forces. It is a matter of great urgency. I have had the opportunity of discussing these matters with some of my colleagues in the United States and Europe. It is the intention of us all to press ahead in this area as a matter of urgency. The nature of the threat that we face has increased, and that is serious. That is why we are proceeding as quickly as we can.

Mr. Alan Clark

Does my right hon. Friend accept that there is an increasing weight of opinion that the best way of countering these missiles is not with an added weight of retaliatory nuclear explosive but through electronic counter-measures? Will he assure the House that in the next defence budget the appropriation of funds for research and development in that work will be greatly increased?

Mr. Pym

At this stage I cannot possibly commit any detail of next year's defence budget. I assure my hon. Friend that all the possibilities and options are being considered most actively so that between us we may make what will be the soundest choice in view of the circumstances that confront us.

Mr. Cook

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that it was a pity that 10 years ago Western European Powers lobbied the United States to leave out medium-range nuclear systems from the SALT talks? Does he agree that if they had been included it might have inhibited development of the SS20? As NATO still has a superiority in forward based systems, does he agree that it would be sensible to achieve a negotiated arms control in that area rather than clutter up Europe with yet more theatre nuclear systems?

Mr. Pym

Whatever may have happened, been advocated or taken place 10 years ago, we have to face the situation as it is today. The Government feel that Britain's defences have been run down to a capability that is not adequate for our needs. As I have said, we are actively considering with our allies the modernisation of our nuclear forces. The unfortunate fact is that we shall not be able to achieve the reduction of arms on both sides as the hon. Gentleman wants, and everybody wants, unless we are strong enough to be able to negotiate a satisfactory disarmament agreement.