HC Deb 20 February 1984 vol 54 cc432-3W
Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if satellite verification methods adopted in the strategic arms limitation talks treaty can be effectively used to verify the deployment of sea-launched cruise missiles; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Stanley

All forms of shipborne nuclear missiles, whether ballistic or cruise, present distinctive requirements in terms of their verification. The United States Government are ready to look where necessary for means of verification extending beyond the national technical means used to verify SALT agreements.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether United States sea-launched cruise missiles will be deployed by the United States aboard ships and submarines assigned to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation under the control of the Supreme Allied Command, Europe; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Stanley

The United States has not informed NATO Governments of any plans to assign its sea-launched cruise missiles to the Alliance.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Defence why the United States sea-launched cruise missiles are classified as strategic weapons.

Mr. Stanley

Nuclear sea-launched cruise missiles have not yet been clearly classified for the purposes of arms control negotiations but the United States regards those that she plans to deploy as being strategic weapons.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Defence why the ground-launched cruise missiles deployed by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation are classified as theatre weapons.

Mr. Stanley

The ground-launched cruise missiles being deployed by NATO are defined as intermediate nuclear forces in both the United States and Soviet INF draft treaties.