HL Deb 22 June 1971 vol 320 cc781-2
LORD KENNET

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend that the reduction of the intermediate-range nuclear missiles now deployed in the western part of the Soviet Union, which are capable of reaching this country but not the United States, should ever be discussed with the Soviet Union, and if so, in what forum.]

THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIAN

My Lords, Her Majesty's Government certainly do not rule out the possibility that this question might be discussed with the Soviet Union, but this is not a matter for Britain alone. These missiles are capable of reaching other Western European countries, and consideration of any proposals would be a matter for the Western Alliance as a whole.

LORD KENNET

My Lords, is it not the case that, besides reaching European countries, the missiles are capable of reaching Turkey, Iran, India and Japan; and is the noble Marquess aware that while the House will be very glad that the Government does not rule out the possibility of discussing an increase in the security of the country, it might be better if they positively ruled it in? May I ask whether they intend to do so and, if so, whether they will tell the House if they intend to do so at Geneva during the Disarmament talks or during the proposed European security conference, or at neither—and if so, where?

THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIAN

My Lords, I do not know about that. The noble Lord will be aware that to some extent this question is bound up with the last one and with the future of the S.A.L.T. talks, because he is talking about the intermediate-range nuclear missiles. I entirely accept his statement that these weapons can reach other parts of the world than Western Europe, and it is something which is very much in my mind. I am afraid I cannot give him a categorical answer as to where and when such discussions might take place.

LORD KENNET

My Lords, if I put down a further Question in a week or a fortnight's time, would the noble Marquess be able to give the answer?

THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIAN

My Lords, I should not like to commit myself to any time limit on this matter.