§ 18. Mr. Norman Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is his latest estimate of the costs to Great 1226 Britain of the installation of the cruise defence system.
§ Mr. PymAs I made clear to the House on 17 June, the total cost to the United Kingdom of the whole modernisation programme throughout the Alliance will be about £16 million.
§ Mr. AtkinsonIs the Secretary of State aware that in answer to Question No. 15 the Minister said that the installation of cruise missiles in Britain may persuade the Soviet Union to come to the negotiating table to talk about nuclear weapon reductions? Will he give an assurance that Britain will he represented at those discussions? Will Britain have the freedom unilaterally to negotiate with the Soviet Union about the withdrawal of cruise missiles from this country?
§ Mr. PymAny consultations would be carried out in conjunction with all our allies, especially the United States. This is not the moment to embark upon any unilateral move.