HL Deb 22 September 1972 vol 335 c1530WA
LORD BROCKWAY

asked Her Majesty's Government :

Whether tests in the use of tactical nuclear weapons are to be made during the NATO manoeuvres in the North Atlantic.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE (LORD CARRINGTON)

No. As my right honourable and noble friend Lady Tweedsmuir of Belhelvie indicated in the House on September 19, nuclear weapons will not be handled during the course of this exercise. However, such weapons are an important element of NATO'S armoury and it is normal in NATO exercises to practise release procedures.