§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department has any plans to replace current stocks of battlefield nuclear weapons; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButlerNo; although it is normal practice to keep under review the need to replace all United Kingdom in service weapon systems.
§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost of maintaining the United Kingdom's current stocks of battlefield nuclear weapons.
§ Mr. ButlerThe United Kingdom has no battlefield nuclear warheads; we do, however, provide and man delivery means for United States warheads which are held under the usual custodial arrangements. The only cost to the United Kingdom is therefore in maintaining the Lance missile system and the nuclear capable artillery. It has been the practice of successive Governments not to give information on the cost of supporting individual weapon systems.