§ Sir Geoffrey Johnson Smithasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on battlefield nuclear weapons systems in service with United Kingdom forces in the British Army of the Rhine.
§ Mr. YoungerFollowing SACEUR's proposals to NPG Ministers in 1985 for the reduction of NATO's nuclear stockpile in Europe, My Department undertook a review of United Kingdom-operated battlefield nuclear weapon systems in BAOR. As a result, it has been decided, with SACEUR's approval, to rationalise these over the next 12 months. This will involve, inter alia, the United Kingdom's complete withdrawal from the 8 in. nuclear artillery role in order to concentrate resources on the 155 mm dual-capable gun already in service. These changes will complete the actions placed on the United Kingdom by SACEUR as part of the first phase of his proposals to implement the 1983 Montebello decision to reduce the nuclear stockpile and improve its effectiveness.
No decisions on modernisation as it affects British forces have yet been taken. A report on this aspect will be made to the House when the appropriate moment comes.
The measures which will be introduced will lead to an overall reduction in the United Kingdom-assigned nuclear warhead stocks in Europe, including the associated logistic elements, and will produce savings in manpower and other resources totalling some £55 million over the next 10 years.