HC Deb 24 October 1989 vol 158 cc656-7
6. Mr. Caborn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions the NATO nuclear planning group has had concerning the possible deployment of additional F111 aircraft.

Mr. Tom King

At the nuclear planning group meeting in April 1988, Ministers endorsed a proposed package of force restructuring and modernisation measures designed to enable the Alliance to sustain its strategy of flexible response in the post-INF era. The options included possible deployment to Europe of longer-range dual capable aircraft from the United States. However, no decisions have yet been taken.

Mr. Caborn

I thank the Secretary of State for his usual unclear answer. Is he aware that it has been widely reported—as his answer suggests—that the debate has gone beyond the F111s and is now centred on the F15-E strike eagles? Have there been any consultations with the British Government about that and, if so, what attitude are the Government taking? Will it be in the context of trying to reduce nuclear weapons in Europe, not increase them, as President Gorbachev has been trying to instill into the Western Alliance?

Mr. King

I am sorry that the hon. Gentleman found my answer unclear. It precisely answered the two points that he then made in his supplementary question. I made it absolutely clear that consultations are continuing, and I referred to a package of force restructuring and modernisation measures. Those measures were discussed in the nuclear planning group in April 1988 and discussions and consultations have continued. Furthermore, I have made it absolutely clear that no decisions have yet been taken.

Mr. Bellingham

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there have been rumours that RAF Sculthorpe in north Norfolk might be designated as a new base for the F111s? Will my right hon. Friend comment on that rumour and, if there is substance in it, will he confirm that there will be the widest possible consultation before any final decision is taken?

Mr. King

I am aware that misleading stories have recently appeared in the press as though decisions had been taken. They are not true because no decision has yet been taken. I can confirm that——

Mr. O'Neill

Was it in The Times?

Mr. King

The story was correct in some newspapers and wrong in one. If the hon. Member for Clackmannan (Mr. O'Neill) would like to check, he will find that one correspondent managed to get it wrong, unfortunately leaving out a "not" from his report.

I hope that my hon. Friend will forgive me, but I cannot comment at this stage. Such matters are under consideration, but obviously we shall want to give careful consideration to any of the aspects causing concern to hon. Members.

Ms. Short

Will the Secretary of State confirm that Britain is becoming increasingly isolated as a NATO power in pushing so strongly for modernisation? Will he reconsider the commitment to a longer-range dual capability aircraft which could undermine the INF treaty? Is Britain in favour of disarmament in Europe or not?

Mr. King

I have made it absolutely clear that we are in favour of a reduction in conventional arms. We are in favour of a substantial reduction in strategic arms. We are in favour of the removal of intermediate nuclear forces. We have a more successful record of achievement on disarmament than the Labour party has ever dreamt of. However, at the same time we know that we have achieved progress towards disarmament from a position of strength. We make no apologies for saying that we will maintain the defence of this country and of NATO while we continue with the process of disarmament.

Sir Geoffrey Johnson Smith

Although I accept what my right hon. Friend has said, will he bear in mind, when coming to a decision about the deployment of such systems, the fact that the Soviet Union has developed and deployed its own air cruise missile system for its own aircraft?

Mr. King

The latest information about the scale of Soviet nuclear resources suggests substantial quantities and that they are pursuing an increased programme of modernisation. Against that background, it would be grossly irresponsible if we did not ensure that, while pursuing sensible disarmament measures, we keep our own defences modernised and effective.