§ Mr. CanavanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received seeking further reduction in the number of nuclear weapons on British soil and in British territorial waters, following the ratification of INF treaty; what response he has made; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Ian Stewart[holding answer 13 May 1988]Various groups opposed to NATO defence policy have undertaken a lobbying campaign, including the use of stock wording and bulk-produced cards, for further reductions in nuclear weapons in Britain following the INF treaty. Such representations have been acknowledged. The United Kingdom and its NATO allies are committed to maintaining a mix of adequate and effective conventional and nuclear forces in Europe in order to continue to deter aggression and maintain peace. Complementing this element of its policy, the Alliance has a clear set of further arms control priorities following the INF treaty: a 50 per cent. reduction in United States and Soviet strategic offensive weapons; an agreement covering conventional forces in Europe; and a global chemical weapons ban.