§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role Tornado F3 aircraft and regular infantry batallions have in the provision of a strategic and substrategic nuclear capability.
§ Mr. HanleyTornado F3 aircraft are required as part of the forces necessary to safeguard the deployment of the deterrent. Regular infantry battalions are required as part of the forces necessary to safeguard the physical security of nuclear assets and the command and control infrastructure. In both cases, the units involved are normally available to carry out other tasks in peacetime.