HC Deb 21 June 1988 vol 135 c490W
Mr. Mullin

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he now expects to be in a position to announce specific decisions on the development and acquisition of new short range nuclear and nuclear-capable missiles.

Mr. Pike

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he next expects to be in a position to announce specific decisions on the development and acquisition of new short range nuclear and nuclear-capable missiles.

Mr. Ian Stewart

A decision on the procurement of a weapon system to replace the free-fall bomb which currently provides the United Kingdom's independent sub-strategic nuclear capability will probably be taken next year. The timing of any decision to take into service with British forces a follow-on to the Lance missile system would depend on progress made by the United States in its efforts to meet SACEUR's requirements in this area.