§ 4. Mr. Chapmanasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will make a statement about the latest information on Soviet troops occupying Afghanistan.
§ Mr. HurdThe Government's latest information is that there are 85,000 Soviet troops in Afghanistan. In addition, we believe that up to 30,000 troops based in the Soviet Union in areas near the border are involved in support of military operations inside Afghanistan. Afghan resistance continues to be strong and fierce fighting is frequently reported.
§ Mr. ChapmanI welcome the latest United Nations resolution and the general condemnation of the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan at the Madrid conference, but does my hon. Friend agree that now is the time for a continuing and persistent diplomatic campaign against the imperialist Soviet aggressors, and that he should bear in mind that this should be done in concert with practically every other country outside the Iron Curtain, including the Third world and Islamic countries?
§ Mr. HurdYes. I entirely agree with that. It is notable and perhaps remarkable that the number of counties supporting the latest resolution of condemnation was greater this year than last. The resolution invited the Secretary-General of the United Nations to appoint a special representative to deal with the matter and we hope that he will do so.
§ Mr. MarlowGiven the large amount of Soviet troops in Afghanistan, do the Soviets still have enough troops to enable them to invade Poland, and in which case what action would her Majesty's Government—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder Tint is also another question.