HC Deb 11 March 1986 vol 93 cc795-6
8. Dr. Marek

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with the United States Secretary of State for Defence on the Trident programme.

Mr. Stanley

My right hon. Friend will be having his first meetings with the United States Defence Secretary for both bilateral and NATO discussions later this month.

Dr. Marek

Will the Minister make sure, when he has these discussions, that they are concerned solely with helping British technology to remain in Britain, not exporting British technology to be taken over by the Americans? I mean that not in an anti-American way, but in a pro-British way.

Mr. Stanley

My hon. Friend's question arises in connection with the Trident programme. In so far as we can manufacture the main elements of the Trident programme in this country, we are doing so. As the hon. Gentleman knows, over half the procurement of the Trident programme will fall to this country, including much high technology equipment.

Dr. Glyn

Will my right hon. Friend confirm that most of the contracts for the Trident programme have been agreed in substance between the two countries and that the programme will go ahead as it should?

Mr. Stanley

The programme will certainly go ahead as scheduled. We believe that the British people, in their wisdom, will ensure the continuation of a Government committed to maintaining that vital element of our security.

Mr. Canavan

Instead of discussing the Trident programme with representatives of a foreign power, would it not be more appropriate to discuss it with the people of Scotland, where the Government plan to locate the Trident base? If the Minister did that, does he realise that he would find virtually no support for Trident among the Scottish people, with the exception of the Secretary of State, who is out on a limb and completely out of touch with Scottish public opinion on this as on so many other matters?

Mr. Stanley

When it comes to the next election, we will see what view those living in the Rosyth area and in Clydeside take of the Government's defence policies compared with the views expressed by the hon. Gentleman.