HC Deb 18 February 1992 vol 204 cc143-4W
Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he plans any new construction to aid rapid dismantling of British nuclear weapons withdrawn from service.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

No.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the implications of the announced reduction in numbers of WE177 free-fall nuclear weapons held by the RAF for his Department's plans for the development of a tactical air-to-surface missile.

Mr. Alan Clark

There are none.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what differences exist between WE177s in(a) Royal Navy and (b) RAF service.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

It is not our practice to discuss details of nuclear weapon design.

Mr. Cryer

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the composition of the special nuclear experts team sent to Russia on 10 February to evaluate the problems in dismantling and transporting the nuclear weapons being removed from deployment; what criteria were used in choosing these experts; and whether any specialist non-governmental organisations have been consulted as to the most appropriate technical approaches required.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The team was led by the Ministry of Defence's principal technical adviser on nuclear matters, and included experts on nuclear weapons and materials from Government and from industry. The composition of the team was decided in the light of advance contacts with the Russian authorities and information received from allies who had previously visited Russia.

Mr. Cryer

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has any plans to meet experts from Scientists for Global Responsibility to discuss its reports on the methods and risks of dismantling nuclear warheads.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

No.

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