§ Ms. Ruddockasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether, following the nuclear planning group meeting at Stavanger, he has held further discussions on the possibility of basing air-launched cruise missiles at Fairford, Lakenheath or Upper Heyford or on whether these bases will be used to host planes carrying air-launched cruise missiles;
(2) whether, following the nuclear planning group meeting at Stavanger, he has held further discussions on the possibility of basing sea-launched cruise missiles at Holy Loch and other United States bases in Britain.
§ Mr. Ian StewartIt remains NATO policy to maintain the minimum forces necessary for deterrence. The NATO Alliance continually assesses its nuclear capability and makes whatever adjustments are necessary to maintain deterrence, taking account of arms control proposals and other developments. Various possible adjustments are under consideration within NATO on a confidential basis.