HC Deb 14 April 1981 vol 3 cc86-7W
19. Mr. Sheerman

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the effectiveness of arrangements for consultation between the United Kingdom and the United States of America over the deployment of Trident and Cruise missiles in the event of a nuclear alarm.

Mr. Nott

The arrangements will be precisely the same as those which currently apply to Polaris and United States nuclear forces already based in the United Kingdom. I am satisfied with the effectiveness of these arrangements.

31. Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will seek from the United States Government greater British control over the use of cruise missiles.

Mr. Nott

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave earlier to the hon. Members for Keighley (Mr. Cryer) and Sheffield, Hillsborough (Mr. Flannery).

Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if there is any military advantage to be derived from the siting of cruise missiles in the United Kingdom as compared with siting them on the European mainland.

Mr. Pattie

A wide geographical spread of cruise missiles bases provides NATO with a greater range of military options and therefore enhances the deterrent value of the force. This was one of the reasons for the NATO decision to base its modernised long-range theatre nuclear forces in a number of European countries, of which the United Kingdom is one.