HL Deb 06 June 1988 vol 497 c1223WA
Lord Jenkins of Putney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider that the Soviet Union is only restrained from attacking Western Europe by NATO's possession of nuclear weapons and whether they will indicate that Lord Trefgarne's answer to a similar question on 10th May (HL Deb., col. 1117) should be taken as an affirmative response.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Glenarthur)

NATO's policy of deterrence, which includes a nuclear element, is by definition designed to deter any potential aggressor. It has proved effective for almost 40 years. I have nothing further to add to the Answer of my noble friend Lord Trefgarne of 10th May.