§ 3. Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the amount of money spent, in the past 10 years, on (a) missiles and (b) the platforms which launch them.
§ Mr. PattieFigures for the past 10 years are not readily available in the form required. However, I can tell the hon. Member that, in line with the Government's policy of shifting the emphasis from weapons platforms to the weapons themselves, the balance of spending has shifted substantially in favour of missiles. It is estimated that, whereas six years ago about 35p was spent on missiles for every pound spent on platforms, we are now spending about 50p on missiles for every pound spent on platforms.
§ Mr. KirkwoodIs the Minister aware that that welcome trend will be appreciated by all Opposition Members who are worried about the increasing escalation in costs of planned military hardware procurement? Will the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that he will take into account the proposals contained in the British Atlantic Committee's report, "Diminishing the Nuclear Threat", that relate to rapid expenditure on platforms vis-a-vis missiles?
§ Mr. PattieI have read most carefully the publication to which the hon. Gentleman referred. The considerations set out in that publication are important and are among those that we must bear in mind.
§ Mr. BoyesWill the Minister ensure that, when these missiles are deployed, they will not be under the command of half-crazed junkies? Many of my constituents are extremely worried that 13 United States air force personnel have recently been expelled from Greenham common because they were found to be drug addicts. I should like the Minister to give an assurance that that situation will not continue.
§ Mr. PattieThat supplementary question hardly arises from the question on the Order Paper.