HC Deb 29 January 1985 vol 72 cc143-5
11. Mr. Greenway

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the implications for United Kingdom defence policy of the stockpile of chemical weapons by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and its allies.

16. Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's defensive capability against chemical weapons.

Mr. Heseltine

We view the massive Soviet chemical weapons capability with particular concern. We believe that total abolition is the best answer and are continuing to work in Geneva for a comprehensive, verifiable and worldwide ban on such weapons, including the destruction of existing stocks. In parallel, we keep our defensive measures under careful review in the light of the threat. A substantial investment has been made over many years to provide our armed forces with defensive protection against chemical attack.

Mr. Greenway

Can my right hon. Friend shed any light on why the Soviet Union is currently running heavy troop training programmes in protective clothing for chemical warfare, bearing in mind that this country abandoned chemical weapons nearly 30 years ago, that none are deployed currently in Western Europe and that the Soviet Union has at this moment 300,000 tonnes of chemicals for military use?

Mr. Heseltine

I am the first to share my hon. Friend's anxiety about the training exercises in which the Soviet Union involves itself, including those involving chemical weapons. I believe that it would be far better employed in pursuing as actively as we and our American allies wish to pursue the arms control proposals that are on the table.

Mr. Proctor

Bearing in mind that when, in the late 1950s, the United Kingdom renounced the offensive use of chemical weapons there was no similar response from the Soviet Union, what are the present prospects for the success of the talks?

Mr. Heseltine

I am sure that my hon. Friend will understand that it is extremely difficult to forecast accurately the prospects for success in arms control talks. All that one can say on behalf of this Government is that we shall make every endeavour to bring those talks to a fruitful conclusion.

Mr. James Lamond

Will the "every endeavour" that we are prepared to make include trying to convince the Americans that the challenge inspection facilities of chemical manufacturing plants should be extended to all plants, whether or not they are state-owned?

Mr. Heseltine

If the hon. Gentleman follows the details he will be aware that the Americans have explained their attitudes on this, which will have an effect upon a wide range of plants in the United States outside those owned by the Government.

Mr. Conway

Is my right hon. Friend happy with the priority that is given in our armed services to nuclear, biological and chemical training? Does he anticipate the early introduction of the next generation of NBC protective clothing?

Mr. Heseltine

I can assure my hon. Friend that we maintain our research into those matters and update the equipment as appropriate from time to time. I cannot tell the House that I am satisfied with the existing situation. I do not see how any Secretary of State for Defence could be when a country, in alliance, that poses the threat to our interest has such large stocks of chemical weapons and we have none.

Mr. McNamara

Will the right hon. Gentleman confirm that the United States has stocks of chemical weapons in Germany? Is he aware that the Opposition support wholeheartedly attempts by Her Majesty's Government to obtain a comprehensive ban on all chemical weapons and any efforts being made to improve the capability of NBC protective uniforms? What lessons have been learnt from Operation Lionheart in that respect?

Mr. Heseltine

The hon. Gentleman will be aware that the United States' stocks of chemical weapons are of a very aged character, that there has been no updating of those stocks for a significant period and that they are of a limited scale. We are still studying the lessons of Lionheart in our Department. As I have already said, we shall continue to research and update the protective equipment in that area.

Mr. Kirkwood

Will the Secretary of State confirm that it will be no part of the review that he announced earlier to allow the Americans to stockpile chemical weapons in British bases?

Mr. Heseltine

I have no proposals of that sort before me.