§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the implications of the need to continue testing of United Kingdom nuclear weapons for safety and operational reasons for negotiations on a comprehensive test ban treaty; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RentonIn the continuing absence of a comprehensive test ban (CTB) we will take necessary measures, including periodic testing when appropriate, to ensure that our national deterrent can perform the defensive task for which it is designed. Our commitment to a CTB has always reflected our acceptance of the potential difficulties for the maintenance of effective nuclear forces that such an agreement could create. But that hypothetical issue does not need addressing in the present circumstances.