§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they share the United States Secretary of State's interpretation of the words "up to date", in relation to ground-based nuclear weapons systems, in the recent NATO declaration as meaning that these weapons should be maintained and prepared in a routine manner, as opposed to being replaced with new and longer range weapons.
§ Lord GlenarthurWe do not share the noble Lord's interpretation of the US Secretary of State's remarks. Clearly the words "up to date" mean that the ability of substrategic nuclear systems to perform their deterrent role must be maintained. It follows that the periodic introduction of new systems will be needed.