HC Deb 16 February 1983 vol 37 c198W
Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what agreement applies to the operation of cruise missiles once they have been dispersed from their base and distributed elsewhere.

Mr. Blaker

The agreement reaffirmed in the communiqué issued in 1952 following talks between Mr. Churchill and President Truman, which was quoted in the House by my right hon. Friend on 1 February.—[Vol 36, c.133.]

Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many cruise missiles have been test fired; what has been the success rate; and what monitoring by representatives from his Department has been undertaken.

Mr. Blaker

The United States is carrying out a comprehensive development programme on a range of cruise missile variants. So far test firings for ground launched cruise missiles have had a full success rate of over 70 per cent. and the test programme is proceeding on schedule for completion in time for the deployment of missiles at the end of this year. My officials are kept informed with regard to the progress of the trials.

Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Defence who will provide the computer programme to control the flight path of cruise missiles; and what involvement of representatives of his Department there has been in compiling such programmes.

Mr. Blaker

Concepts for the employment of the cruise missiles to be based in this country, including planning and targetting, will be developed within NATO, The technicalities of programming the guidance system will be the responsibility of the United States Government.