HC Deb 20 November 1978 vol 958 cc482-4W
Mr. Ron Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if information for the development of the neutron bomb, or the bomb and associated delivering equipment would be sold to other countries.

Mr. Mulley

Since the United Kingdom has no programme to develop or produce enhanced radiation weapons, there is no question of any sales.

Mr. Ron Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if any research establishments in his Department have undertaken work on the development of the neutron bomb;

(2) if any company has received grants from his Department to undertake research, development or production work on the neutron bomb;

(3) if his Department has offered, or is giving any financial grant for work on research, development or the production of the neutron bomb.

Mr. Mulley

No.

Mr. Ron Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what talks he has had with his Soviet counterpart about the inclusion of the neutron bomb in strategic arms limitation talks.

Mr. Mulley

None.

Mr. Ron Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if a decision has yet been reached on the equipping of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation forces with the neutron bomb.

Mr. Mulley

The United States' Government recently announced that some theatre nuclear warheads were to be produced which could be converted to enhanced radiation warheads, in line with the decision of President Carter to retain this option last April. There has been no decision to produce or deploy it.

Mr. Ron Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if any university has undertaken work on the development of the neutron bomb; on what aspect of development; and what was the amount of Government funds expended, or the amount and source of financial support.

Mr. Mulley

My Department has not placed any contract or given any grant to any university for work to be undertaken on the development of an enhanced radiation/reduced blast weapon, or on any other aspect of nuclear weapon development.

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