HC Deb 11 February 1986 vol 91 cc770-1
10. Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if troops from the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation exercising in the United Kingdom are required to notify his Department of the equipment and weapons to be involved; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister of State for the Armed Forces (Mr. John Stanley)

We expect all non-UK NATO service personnel exercising in the United Kingdom to do so after consulting, and with the concurrence of, the relevant Ministry of Defence authorities, which would be notified in advance of the nature of any weapons and military equipment to be used.

Mr. Kirkwood

Will the Minister confirm that last July his Department said that British troops were exercising with American troops in West Germany with atomic demolition munitions? Can he give the House an assurance that if permission were asked for these weapons, or even dummy substitutes, to be used on exercises in the United Kingdom his Department would refuse to give authority for their use?

Mr. Stanley

The hon. Gentleman will know that we do not comment on the presence or otherwise of nuclear weapons. As to the nuclear assets that the British forces have, the hon. Gentleman will see the references to those in the "Statement on the Defence Estimates".

Mr. Stokes

Is my hon. Friend aware that far from carping at the presence of our allies in this country, most people gladly welcome them?

Mr. Stanley

My hon. Friend is entirely correct. I suggest that the commitment by the official Opposition to send the Americans packing from this country is the single most disastrous commitment made by any political party since the war.