§ 16. Sir T. Beamishasked the Secretary of State for Defence what recent initiatives he has taken towards disengagement in Europe; to what extent the Government's proposals have been agreed with Great Britain's North Atlantic Treaty Organisation allies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HattersleyMy right hon. Friend has made no such proposals for reducing the permanent level of forces in Europe.
§ Sir T. BeamishDoes the hon. Gentleman agree that the mutual reduction of force strengths in Europe would only be acceptable were there to be an entirely watertight system of verification? Will the hon. Gentleman say why the House has not been informed about the Government's attitude to the European security pact being discussed this week in Brussels? Will a statement be made next week?
Mr. HartersleyI am sorry that I appear to be uncommunicative, but I must say that questions about mutual force reductions are for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.