HC Deb 13 March 1984 vol 56 c275
17. Mr. Stan Thorne

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether the united Kingdom Government have been consulted about the United States air-land battle plan.

Mr. Stanley

Air-land battle has been official United States army doctrine since 1982 and applies to United States army forces worldwide. NATO nations, including the United Kingdom, have been made aware of this doctrine.

Mr. Thorne

Will the Minister confirm that this plan involves first strike use of cruise missiles from the United Kingdom?

Mr. Stanley

No, Sir, it does not.