§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has had any discussions about the development of an improved Lance battlefield nuclear missile; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SainsburyMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State regularly reviews with his ministerial colleagues in NATO the need for the modernisation of NATO's nuclear systems. This is an essential element in the Alliance's policy of maintaining only the minimum forces necessary for deterrence. No decisions on modernisation as it affects British forces have yet been taken.