Mr. O'NeillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy in respect of the timing for starting negotiations for the reduction of nuclear systems, relative to implementation of any reductions under CFE; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonOur policy remains as set out in the comprehensive concept adoped by NATO Heads of State and Government at their summit in May 1989.
Mr. O'NeillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy in respect of the timing of a decision on the modernisation of short-range nuclear weapons, relative to the West German election; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonA decision on a replacement system for our WE177 free-fall bomb is not expected before the latter part of this year. With regard to the following on to Lance system, the agreed position remains that NATO will not take a decision before 1992.