HC Deb 09 January 1990 vol 164 c815
19. Mrs. Fyfe

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will initiate an independent review of the United Kingdom's defence commitments.

Mr. Tom King

I have no plans to do so.

Mrs. Fyfe

In the light of developments—[Interruptioni]—in eastern Europe, will the Minister say, when the first Trident submarine arrives—[Interruption.] —at which country it will be aimed?

Mr. King

I apologise to the hon. Lady, but I heard hardly a word of that supplementary question.

Mr. Speaker

Order. I accept that the Secretary of State did not understand what the hon. Lady said. It is difficult to hear.

Mrs. Fyfe

The House rather resembles school returning for the first day of term, Mr. Speaker. In the light of events in eastern Europe, when the Minister acquires his first Trident missile, at which country will he aim it?

Mr. King

The hon. Lady may not be aware that the Labour party supports the need for the maintenance of a nuclear umbrella with the presence of United States forces in Europe. We recognise the need to maintain a balance of nuclear and conventional forces. That is our position and I understand that it is also the Labour party's position.