§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to counter the anti-nuclear propaganda put out by the unilaterist movement; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BlakerThe Government attach considerable importance to ensuring that there is a clear public understanding of the policies of deterrence and disarmament, which have been the keystone of our peace and security for over 30 years, and have been supported by successive British Governments of different parties and by our allies in NATO.
The Government's defence policy, including the nuclear aspects, is set out in the annual "Statement on Defence Estimates". There have been a number of debates on these issues in the House, and members of the Government frequently take part in public discussions at both national and local level. In addition, a range of official publications have been produced dealing with matters of deterrence and disarmament and arms control, which are distributed to interested organisations and individuals. Copies of these brochures have been placed in the Library.