HC Deb 22 March 1978 vol 946 cc598-9W
27. Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to complete his consideration of policy relating to the neutron bomb.

Mr. Judd

The position on possible production or deployment of enhanced radiation-reduced blast warheads remains as described in the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence to the hon. Member for Stretford (Mr. Churchill) on 15th December last—[Vol. 941, c.386.] The Government will be ready to make their views known after completion of consultations in the North Atlantic Alliance.

Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will ask the United States Government to defer any decision on production of the neutron bomb until after the United Nations Special Review on Disarmament in May.

Mr. Judd

The position on possible production or deployment of enhanced radiation-reduced blast warheads remains as described in the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence to the hon. Member for Stretford (Mr. Churchill) on 15th December last—[Vol. 941, c.386.] The timing of any decision on production in relation to the United Nations Special Session on Disarmament therefore does not arise at present. It would need to be considered, if and when it does arise, by the Alliance in its continuing consultations.