§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what studies have been conducted of the vulnerability to Soviet air-defence system of in-flight ground-launched cruise missiles;
(2) whether his Department has conducted studies to determine the vulnerability, to a Soviet pre-emptive disarming first-strike, of ground-launched cruise when (a) based within RAF Greenham commons, and (b) deployed without RAF Greenham common; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StanleyStudies have been conducted of a number of factors bearing on the operational effectiveness of ground launched cruise missiles. I am, however, not willing to provide further details.
§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Defence if there are any plans to incorporate European-based ground-launched cruise missiles into the United States' Pentagon's single integrated operational plan; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StanleyI cannot add to the answer given to the hon. Member by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 10 July.
§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Defence if any ground-launched cruise missles based at RAF Greenham common are held at a readiness for firing known as quick action alert; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StanleyA proportion of the force of ground launched cruise missiles based at RAF Greenham common is maintained at a high state of readiness, as is the case with a number of other nuclear and conventional weapons systems deployed by NATO.