HC Deb 13 May 1980 vol 984 cc1040-1
17. Mr. Churchill

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration he has given to the possibility of equipping Tornado with air-launched cruise missiles.

Mr. Pattie

Some outline studies have been made into the technical feasibility of equipping the Tornado GR1 aircraft with air-launched cruise missiles.

Mr. Churchill

Does my hon. Friend agree that with the estimated deployment by the Soviet Union against Western Europe by 1985 of about 250 SS20 missiles, and an equal number of Backfire bombers, there is an urgent requirement for a Vulcan replacement? Will the Government give top priority to considering equipping Tornado GR1s with air-launched cruise missiles, which would have not only the role of tactical attack against airfields in East Germany and Poland, but a longer range strategic capability?

Mr. Pattie

As my hon. Friend knows, the Vulcan operates in a long-range theatre nuclear role, carrying a free-fall nuclear bomb. It is felt in some quarters that an air-launched cruise missile released from a stand-off mode could be a more appropriate response to the needs of the next two decades. The question that my hon. Friend poses is largely a matter of resource.

Mr. Stoddart

Would it not be better if hon. Members asked questions that related to the reduction of armaments rather than to increases in armaments? Is not that what the world wants at present?

Mr. Pattie

It has been said many times from this Dispatch Box that the Government wish to achieve a sensible reciprocal disarmament programme. We have said that many times. No advantage will be gained by unilateral action.

Mr. Nelson

With the decision to phase out the V-bomber force, will we not fall back on the submarine-launched nuclear deterrent as our sole and principal strategic defence weapon? Will there not be an important air gap in the next few years? Is it not important for the Government to consider, as my hon. Friend the Member for Stretford (Mr. Churchill) suggested, giving every consideration to arming the GR1 with the cruise missile?

Mr. Pattie

It is important for my hon. Friend to appreciate that the only strategic weapon that we have is the Polaris system. As I said in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Stretford (Mr. Churchill), the Vulcan is deployed in a long-range theatre nuclear role. It is important not to confuse the two.