§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will make a statement on the implications of the loss, damage or destruction of nuclear weapons in the middle east during the course of present hostilities; and what consideration has been given to the implication of potential widespread radioactive contamination;
(2) what consideration he has given to the protection of nuclear weapons based in Turkey, within 200 miles of the Iraqi border, and to the removal of nuclear weapons on ships and submarines in the area.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonIt has been Her Majesty's Government's longstanding practice neither to confirm nor deny the presence of nuclear weapons in any particular location at any particular time. The highest priority is attached to safeguarding our weapons wherever they may be and they are designed with a view to minimising the consequences of damage. Our operations in the middle east are being conducted with full regard to the implications of any potential radioactive contamination.
§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many nuclear weapons and reactors are currently situated in the middle east; and what consideration has been given to designating the area as a nuclear-free zone.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonIt has been Her Majesty's Government's longstanding practice neither to confirm nor deny the presence of nuclear weapons in any particular location at any particular time. Nor do we give details of the whereabouts of our nuclear submarines. The United Kingdom supports nuclear weapon-free zones wherever they could make a contribution to security.