Defence Policy (Scottish Representations)

HC Deb 11 April 1989 vol 150 cc733-4

Mr. David Porter

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from Scotland on defence policy since 11 March; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Younger

I have received no representations from Scotland specifically on defence policy, although I do, of course, receive a large volume of correspondence on various defence issues from all parts of the United Kingdom.

Mr. Porter

Does my right hon. Friend realise that on that day, at the Labour party conference in Scotland, pronouncements were made advocating unilateralism?

Mr. Younger

Yes, I did observe that at a Labour party conference in Perth on that date—[HoN. MEMBERS: "It was Inverness."]—resolutions were passed urging that the review of policy—[Interruption.]

Mr. Speaker

Order. Let us hear the answer.

Mr. Younger

At that conference, resolutions were passed urging that following the review of policy that has taken place in the party, it adhere to unilateralism in all its features. It occurred to me to wonder whether the right hon. Member for Islwyn (Mr. Kinnock) supported that, or agreed with it.