HL Deb 21 April 1989 vol 506 cc987-8

11.24 a.m.

Lord Brougham and Vaux asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are satisfied with the results of their efforts to publicise the achievements of NATO on the occasion of its fortieth anniversary.

The Minister of State for Defence Procurement (Lord Trefgarne)

My Lords, we are very satisfied with the publicity that is being given to NATO's fortieth anniversary and we hope the importance of NATO in securing peace, security and democracy will be further emphasised at the time of the NATO summit next month. Among the other measures, my noble friend may have seen the postal slogan which appeared on no fewer than 46 million items of mail.

Lord Brougham and Vaux

My Lords, I am grateful to my noble friend for his Answer. Does he agree that it is a pity that the postal slogan made no reference to the achievements of NATO, especially in securing peace in Europe for 40 years?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, we should have preferred to put on the postal slogan a reference to the peace that has reigned in Europe since the end of the Second World War. Unfortunately, the Post Office decided that that was a contentious and controversial proposition and would not authorise it.

The Earl of Lauderdale

My Lords, has peace become a contentious subject? Surely it is the opposite.

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, like my noble friend, I am mystified at the Post Office's view; but the Post Office, not Ministers, made the decision in this matter.

Lord Irving of Dartford

My Lords, some of us may not be surprised that at least some people believe the statement to be contentious. Would it not be a more appropriate way to recognise the anniversary if the Government were to end their preoccupation with increasing our nuclear forces, either by Trident or free-fall bombs from aircraft, and to engage in deeper and new thinking on defence and disarmament and encourage and help NATO to bring forward more initiatives in response to those made by Mr. Gorbachev over the past two years?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, I am certain that if we had followed the policies proposed by noble Lords opposite, or even by Mr. Gorbachev, those 40 years of peace would not have prevailed.

Lord Grimond

My Lords, as a recognition of the improved atmosphere in international relations, will the Government consider asking the Soviet fleet to pay us an official visit?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, I am not sure that that question arises from the Question on the Order Paper; but it is fair to say that the 40 years of peace which have been of so much benefit to the members of NATO have been of equal benefit to the people of the Soviet Union.