Nuclear Weapons

HC Deb 01 March 1983 vol 38 cc107-8W

13. Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how much was spent by his Department in 1982 on films and leaflets on nuclear weapons.

Mr. Blaker

In 1982 the Central Office of Information produced on behalf of the Ministry of Defence two films and a number of leaflets relating to deterrence and disarmament. The films cost a total of £97,553 to produce plus about £19,000 in COI management charges. The leaflets cost £22,325.

21. Mr. Norman Atkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence which British nuclear weapons and delivery systems are non-strategic.

Mr. Blaker

According to the SALT definition of strategic, all British nuclear weapon systems with the exception of Polaris are non-strategic.

22. Mr. Sheerman

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will review the effectiveness of control systems for strategic nuclear weapons.

Mr. Heseltine

Arrangements for the control of strategic nuclear weapons systems based in the United Kingdom are thorough and comprehensive.

41. Mr. Strang

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards the first use of nuclear weapons.

Mr. Heseltine

We have repeatedly made it clear, together with all our NATO allies, that none of our weapons, conventional or nuclear, will ever be used except in response to attack.