Written question asked by Austin Mitchell (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 20 May 1997. It was answered by Lord Reid of Cardowan (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 May 1997 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: What is his Department's policy on the limited use of nuclear weapons to warn an aggressor.

Answer: Mr. Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his Department's policy on the limited use of nuclear weapons to warn an aggressor. [257] Dr. Reid: The Government fully support NATO policy on the continuing requirement for a sub-strategic capability as a crucial element of credible deterrence. In extreme circumstances of self-defence such as capability would allow the limited use of nuclear weapons to send an aggressor a political message of the Alliance's resolve to defend itself.

Secondary information