HC Deb 06 February 1969 vol 777 c163W
Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Secretary of State for Defence why, having regard to the fact that the military priorities of the United States of America are dissimilar to those of Her Majesty's Government, he is supplying chemical warfare materials and information to the United States of America.

Mr. John Morris

No chemical warfare materials are supplied to the United States of America. Information is exchanged with nations including the United States with whom we have arrangements for mutual co-operation in defence.

Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent Her Majesty's Government's chemical and biological warfare policy is one of defence; to what extent it is one of deterrence; and what measures are being taken to defend the public against this form of warfare.

Mr. John Morris

The policy of Her Majesty's Government in this field is one of defence and of seeking international agreement to effective measures of disarmament; it is not a policy of deterrence except to the extent that any defensive measures constitute a deterrent; measures for the defence of the public in this respect are a matter for my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Home Affairs and the Secretary of State for Scotland.