15. Mr. GwilymRoberts asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many representations he has received opposing the siting of cruise missiles in the United Kingdom, the Trident missile programme, and the siting of the neutron bomb in Europe; if he will list these representations in the Official Report; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BlakerSince my right hon. Friend took up his present appointment he has received about 350 letters and eight petitions concerning cruise missiles; about 200 letters and seven petitions concerning the Trident missile programme; and about 50 letters concerning enhanced radiation warheads. These came from individuals and representatives of various groups; it would require disproportionate time and effort to prepare a full list.
Mr. RobertsDoes the hon. Gentleman agree that recent mass demonstrations reflect the growing fear of millions of people all over the world about the growth of nuclear weapons? Will he reconsider his previous answers and realise that if Britain were prepared to abandon these weapons and to persuade some of our allies to do so, there would be every economic incentive for Russia to follow suit?
§ Mr. BlakerI repeat that the objective of the defence policies of NATO is to prevent war. I recognise that there is increased anxiety on the part of some people about the growth of nuclear weapons. That is why we are dedicated to supporting multilateral, as opposed to unilateral, disarmament. However, I must add that some of the fears that have been generated are entirely without foundation. The CND has not helped the situation by publishing a leaflet, which I have here, containing no fewer than five major mis-statements of fact, all of which are inclined to increase people's fears without good reason.