§ 16. Mr. David Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about his Department's policy for the disposal of redundant intercontinental ballistic missiles.
§ Mr. StanleyAt the end their useful lives the nuclear warheads for our Polaris missiles are dismantled and reusable materials, which include all special nuclear materials, are recovered. Non-reusable components, including conventional high explosives, are disposed of in accordance with strict safety and security regulations. The disposal of complete redundant Polaris missiles will not occur until the mid-1990s and the disposal policy has not yet been decided.
§ Mr. AtkinsonIn view of the frightening Soviet lead in space, as reported by Jane's today, and of the crisis over launchers in the United States of America and in Europe, what studies has the right hon. Gentleman's Department made on utilising our existing missile stock in restoring our defence satellite programme?
§ Mr. StanleyMy hon. Friend will understand that those two do not relate to each other. He is entirely right to point to the enormous investment and the great progress that the Soviet Union has made in space.