HC Deb 15 January 1980 vol 976 cc1412-3
4. Mr. Canavan

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement outlining the Government's up-to-date policy on nuclear weapons.

Mr. Pym

Until we can ensure peace and stability in Europe without the need for nuclear weapons, the Government believe that NATO must maintain a full range of such weapons to deter potential aggressors.

Mr. Canavan

What is the most up-to-date estimate of the increase in public expenditure required for the new theatre nuclear forces and the replacement of Polaris? What possible justification is there for increasing public expenditure on such weapons of mass destruction, especially when this Tory Government are cutting back on public expenditure on essential social services such as housing and education?

Mr. Cormack

Afghanistan.

Mr. Pym

The overwhelming proportion of the cost of the modernisation programme of long range theatre nuclear weapons will be borne by our ally, the United States. The cost of the United Kingdom contribution to that programme is of the order of £10 million, which is comparatively modest, bearing in mind the benefit that will accrue from it. The justification for increasing defence expenditure, as the Conservative Party has long made clear, is the fact that the world is becoming less safe rather than more safe, and it is the priority and responsibility of any Government to protect the realm. That is why we attach such importance to defence.

Mr. McQuarrie

Is it the intention of the Government to site any of these nuclear weapons in the territory of Gibraltar?

Mr. Pym

There is no such plan to do so, or thought of doing so, at present.

Mr. Marks

Should we not show our faith in the NATO Alliance and the United States' participation in it by doing away with our so-called independent nuclear deterrent?

Mr. Pym

This Government and our predecessors have taken the view that the independent nuclear deterrent in the hands of the United Kingdom is an important addition to the deterrence capability of the whole Alliance. Not only do this Government support that view, but all our allies are of the same view—in other words, it is an added strength to the Alliance for the United Kingdom to have this independent nuclear deterrent of its own.