HC Deb 19 June 1990 vol 174 cc787-8
5. Ms. Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the safety of nuclear weapons assigned to the British Army of the Rhine.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

We are satisfied with the safety of all our nuclear weapons, including those assigned for use by the British Army of the Rhine.

Ms. Ruddock

Will the Minister confirm, however, that serious defects have been found in the W79 artillery shell—I hope that he will confirm that that is deployed in Europe—as well as in the W88 and W69 warheads in the United States? A serious accident could occur simply if a warhead such as the W79 fell off the back of a lorry, which could result in a large spread of radiation. Is the Minister aware of the seriousness of the matter? Why have the Government been so secretive about it? Is it perhaps because the case for nuclear disarmament is now overwhelming?

Mr. Hamilton

The Government do not have to be secretive or open about that, as it is a matter of concern for the United States authorities—they are their warheads. I am sure that the hon. Lady realises that we make our own warheads and do not have American ones.

Mr. John Marshall

Will my hon. Friend confirm that there is still a huge imbalance in nuclear, chemical and conventional weapons in Europe? Does he agree that to disband our weapons, as the hon. Member for Lewisham, Deptford (Ms. Ruddock) would like us to do, would be extremely irresponsible?

Mr. Hamilton

That is absolutely right. There is still an enormous superiority of nuclear weapons held by the other side, but that would not make any difference to members of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament or many Opposition Members who have always been against nuclear weapons and have not appreciated the effects of and the advantages that we have gained from the nuclear deterrent.