HC Deb 23 February 1995 vol 255 cc335-6W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the link between possession and threat of use of nuclear weapons in the light of Her Majesty's Government's policy on their non-use.

Mr. Soames

The United Kingdom's nuclear forces provide a deterrent to aggression against us and contribute to NATO's strategy of war prevention.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of whether the financial reductions announced in respect of the Atomic Weapons Establishment will lead to a reduction in the rate of dismantling of nuclear weapons.

Mr. Freeman

The rationalisation proposals announced by Hunting-BRAE Ltd. on 20 January 1995 in no way affect plans for dismantling nuclear weapons.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if all nuclear depth bombs removed from service have now been dismantled.

Mr. Freeman

All such weapons have been withdrawn from service and are in the process of being dismantled.