§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence if British nuclear weapons are intended solely as a deterrent against an armed attack on the United Kingdom rather than on the United Kingdom and its dependent territories.
§ Mr. BlakerAs successive Statements on the Defence Estimates have made clear, British nuclear forces are assigned to NATO in conformity with the concept of collective deterrence. British nuclear forces play a crucial role in enhancing alliance security by providing a deterrent capability which is committed to NATO yet fully under the control of a European member. This is the context in which the utility of British nuclear forces, which also provide the ultimate guarantee of the United Kingdom's supreme national interests, should be viewed.
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence what are the differences between Thor and cruise missiles which account for the need for a dual-control system in the one case and not in the other.
§ Mr. BlakerThe Thor missiles which were stationed in this country were owned and operated by the United Kingdom. The nuclear warheads, however, remained in United States ownership in accordance with United States national law, and USAF personnel were stationed at Thor sites to maintain custody of them. Cruise missiles will be owned and operated by the United States. The use of the cruise missiles to be based in this country will be governed by the understanding on joint decision making by the Governments of the United States and United Kingdom, summarised in the communiqué of January 1952.