HC Deb 03 June 1986 vol 98 cc428-9W
Mr. Wareing

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he had with his West German and American counterparts prior to the discussion by North Atlantic Treaty Organisation officials on 14 May, on the proposed crisis deployment of binary chemical weapons in the Federal Republic of Germany.

Mr. Stanley

None. My right hon. Friend has however had general discussions concerning United States chemical weapon modernisation proposals with both the Defence Secretaries of the United States and of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Mr. Wareing

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) by what means and when Her Majesty's Government indicated to the United States Government their willingness to consider the deployment of binary chemical weapons in Britain;

(2) if there have been discussions with the United States Government about which bases in the United Kingdom might be considered for the deployment of binary chemical weapons in time of crises; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Stanley

As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister made clear to the House on 19 May at column33, the Government have received no requests from other North Atlantic Treaty Organisation countries for chemical weapons to be based in the United Kingdom. The United States Government have indicated that they have no plans to deploy binary chemical weapons in any foreign country in peacetime. To date we have not been consulted about possible contingency arrangements. If a request for deployment of United States binary chemical munitions were ever to be received it would be a matter for decision by the British Government of the day in the light of all the circumstances prevailing at the time. Any deployment to the United Kingdom at any time would require the consent of Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. Wareing

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if Her Majesty's Government have received any representations from allied governments opposing their support for the adoption of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation force goal stipulating the need for the modernisation of the United States share of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation chemical weapons deterrent.

Mr. Stanley

No.