Policy Achievements (Hansard, 9 May 1984)

§ Mr.Heseltine

A full description of our policy achievements in the field of defence is provided in the annual "Statement on the Defence Estimates". The 1984 statement will be published next Monday, 14 May. The principal individual achievements include the following:

(a) We have sustained our role within NATO and our contribution to both the conventional and nuclear forces of the Alliance, which has now preserved peace in Europe for 35 years.
(b) In concert with our Allies we have proceeded with the modernisation of the NATO's intermediate range nuclear forces, including the first deployments of cruise missiles in the United Kingdom, following the Soviet Union's failure to accept measures of arms control which would have made this unnecessary. We have also joined in Alliance decisions on shorter-range theatre nuclear forces that will lead to cuts of one-third in the number of nuclear warheads deployed by the Alliance in Europe.
(c) We have increased defence spending in real terms in every year for the last five years. By 1985–86 our defence spending will be 20 per cent. higher than in 1978–79, excluding Falklands additions.
(d) We have instituted programmes significantly to enhance the capabilities of our Armed Forces in each of the four principal roles we perform within the Alliance. We have decided upon the replacement of our Polaris strategic nuclear deterrent system with the Trident missile system in the 1990s. We are strengthening the United Kingdom's own defences through such improvements as the introduction of Nimrod AEW and the Tornado F2, enhanced mine countermeasure capabilities and the strengthening of ground forces. The combat effectiveness of BAOR has been increased by the reorganisation of 1(BR) Corps, and the introduction of such new equipments as the Challenger tank. The RAF's strike/attack capability has been enhanced by the formation of Tornado GR1 squadrons in the United Kingdom and in Germany. The resources we have devoted to the conventional navy (more in real terms was spent on the construction of new ships and their weapon systems in 1982–83 than in any of the previous 20 years) are reflected in both the Royal Navy's increasing capabilities and the shipbuilding programme, including new air-capable ships and the latest generation of ASW frigates.
(e) We have, through such measures as the creation of 5 Airborne Brigade and a new Joint Force Headquarters, and improvements to our air-lift and tanker capabilities, enhanced the ability of our forces with a primary role in NATO to act beyond the Alliance area.
(f) We have embarked upon a comprehensive programme to strengthen our reserve forces, including the expansion of the Territorial Army to 86,000 by the end of the decade and the creation of a Home Service Force.
(g) We have introduced a Management Information System for Ministers and top management (MINIS) and brought forward outline proposals which are now being developed for a reorganisation of defence management. The central aim is to maximise the output achieved from the Defence budget, and to concentrate resources to the greatest extent possible on the Armed Forces' front-line capabilities.
(h) We have restored and maintained the comparability of service men's pay with that of their civilian counterparts. We have reduced the United Kingdom-based civilian staff of the MOD by nearly 20 per cent. since 1979.