§ 6. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement about the progress of discussions within the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation of mutual balanced forces reductions in Europe.
§ Mr. MulleyThese discussions are going forward in the context of the intensified studies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation on disarmament and practical measures of arms control.
§ Mr. AllaunHow soon may we expect a definite proposal—since N.A.T.O. started these discussions four months ago? Secondly, does my right hon. Friend agree that these talks might be started by mutual example rather than by a formal East-West agreement, as the Defence Minister stated on 4th March?
§ Mr. MulleyOn my hon. Friend's first point, I should like to be able to assure him that I expect early results, but I am afraid that these are extremely detailed and complicated matters, and I would not expect quick results. On the question whether one should start, and not attempt to put the matter on a basis of mutuality, as he knows there have been redeployments of both the United States and British forces in the last year, and so far there has been no corresponding reduction by the Soviet Union.