HC Deb 26 January 1988 vol 126 c178W
17. Mr. Harry Barnes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's latest plans for battlefield nuclear artillery systems.

87. Mr. Battle

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's latest plans for battlefield nuclear artillery systems.

89. Mr. Allan McKay

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's latest plans for battlefield nuclear artillery systems.

Mr. Ian Stewart

As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State said in his reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Wealden (Sir G. Johnson Smith) on 23 July 1987, at column390, it has been decided to rationalise United Kingdom-operated battlefield nuclear weapon systems in BAOR by withdrawing from the 8 in. nuclear artillery role and concentrating resources on the 155 mm dual-capable gun which is already in service. This rationalisation process is now under way.

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.