§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what further measures are proposed to prevent nuclear war taking place by accident;
(2) if he has received any confirmation of the effectiveness of safeguards against the United Kingdom becoming involved in nuclear war following the incident at Colorado Springs;
(3) if he will make a statement on the part played by the early-warning system at Fylingdales in the checking of the false alarm of hostilities emanating from Colorado Springs, USA.
§ Mr. PymI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 14 November 1979 to the hon. Members for Newham, North-West (Mr. Lewis), Walsall, North (Mr. Winnick) and Preston, North (Mr. Atkins). [Vol. 973, c.646–47.]
800W
§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department received any communication from the United States Government and United States Air Force of the war alert which was declared recently; and what procedures for notification of Her Majesty's Government exist when F-111 fighter aircraft of the United States Air Force based in Great Britain are alerted for combat.
§ Mr. PymI would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 14 November to the hon. Members for Walsall, North (Mr. Winnick), Preston, North (Mr. Atkins) and Newham, North-West (Mr. Lewis) [Vol. 973, c.646–47]. No United States forces in this country were involved. I am satisfied with the existing consultation procedures but it would not be appropriate to give details.
§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied with arrangements for informing the public in Great Britain, particularly those living near American military installations, when the United States, deliberately or accidentally, decides to have a war alert.