HC Deb 23 June 1981 vol 7 c125
5. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the status of the British representative of NATO's special consultative group on long range theatre nuclear forces.

Mr. Blaker

The United Kingdom's representation at meetings of the special consultative group is headed by a senior Foreign Office official with support from the Ministry of Defence. This group is charged with supporting the United States efforts to negotiate limitations on long-range theatre nuclear forces; it reports to NATO Foreign and Defence Ministers at their bi-annual meetings.

Mr. McNair-Wilson

Can my hon. Friend say whether the group's task is to draw up the negotiating position that will be taken up in any conversations between the United States and the Soviet Union about the possibility of theatre nuclear arms limitation?

Mr. Blaker

That is putting it rather too precisely. The purpose is to consult the United States and to offer to it guidance from the other members of the group, which includes all the members of the Alliance apart from France. Ultimately, the negotiations will take place between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Mr. David Clark

Does the Minister realise that there has been grave disappointment in the United Kingdom that Her Majesty's Government have lagged so far behind our European allies, especially Western Germany, in pressing those disarmament talks? I realise that the issues are complicated. Will the Government be prepared to consider publishing a general discussion paper on the various forums of disarmament talks and giving a general statement on what the Government's positions are in those various forums?

Mr. Blaker

I doubt whether the publication of a general discussion paper is necessary. Many forums are involved in negotiations for arms control, as the hon. Gentleman knows. He should pursue that matter with my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal. The United Kingdom has consistently taken the lead—that has been true under Governments of both Labour and Conservative complexions—in pursuing all sorts of forums and all efforts for arms control and disarmament.