HC Deb 06 July 1990 vol 175 cc760-2W
Mr. O'Neill

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) which states currently possess a nuclear weapon capability that could pose a threat to the United Kingdom; which states currently possess a nuclear weapon capability that could not pose a threat to the United Kingdom; and which states are currently seeking to acquire a nuclear weapon capability that could pose a threat to the United Kingdom;

(2) under what circumstances it is judged that the possession of nuclear weapons by another state poses a threat to the United Kingdom.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The possession of nuclear weapons combined with effective means of delivery by any state poses a potential threat to the United Kingdom, but of course account has to be taken of intention as well as capability. The assessment the hon. Member requests of particular nuclear capabilities is classified. In general terms the United Kingdom attaches great importance to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty as a means of preventing nuclear proliferation.