Nuclear Proliferation (Hansard, 12 April 1994)

§ 7. Mrs. Mahon
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the military implications of nuclear proliferation.

§ The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Malcolm Rifkind)
The Government attach a high priority to preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and the United Kingdom will continue to contribute positively towards international efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation.

§ Mrs. Mahon
Which specific nuclear weapons have been dismantled and which are intended to be dismantled in the run-up to the renewal of the non-proliferation treaty?

§ Mr. Rifkind
The United Kingdom has indicated a very substantial reduction in its nuclear weapon capability. For example, we have got rid of all nuclear tactical weapons. We have said that we shall not go forward with the original proposals for a sub-strategic nuclear capability, which will in future be based on our Trident facilities. We have also indicated that our Trident nuclear weapons will have an explosive yield comparable to that of Polaris. The United Kingdom can hold its head high on the basis of making a positive contribution to the reduction of nuclear weapons in the world.

§ Mr. Ian Taylor
Has my right hon. and learned Friend recently made an assessment of the reports of the proliferation of nuclear weapons going from the ex-Soviet Union to Iran? The disturbing events in the Crimea also seem to be related to rumours that nuclear weapons may be being traded through to the middle east or even used 7 internally in the Ukraine. Those reports are disturbing at this sensitive moment and I should therefore be grateful if the Secretary of State could clarify the issue.

§ Mr. Rifkind
There is no indication that either the Russian or the Ukraine Governments have been involved in any trading of that kind. With the very large number of weapons that exist in Russia and other countries of the former Soviet Union, it is possible that certain materials may have been offered or transferred. We have no hard evidence to support that proposition, but the situation certainly needs to be carefully monitored.

§ Mr. Llew Smith
While discussing the military implications of nuclear proliferation, will the Minister explain how the Government can support both the non-proliferation treaty and Trident?

§ Mr. Rifkind
The existing non-proliferation treaty recognises the position of those countries that are currently nuclear weapon states. We are a signatory of the non-proliferation treaty, as are the United States and a number of other countries. We are all working together to ensure that the proliferation of nuclear weapons does not take place. In the real world, which may not be one with which the hon. Gentleman is familiar, one has to take into account the historical fact that nuclear weapons currently exist.