HC Deb 13 May 1980 vol 984 cc1034-5
11. Mr. Robert Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his North Atlantic Treaty Organisation colleagues about the defence implications upon the Alliance of the Russian invasion of Afghanistan.

Mr. Hayhoe

NATO has maintained close consultation about the situation in South West Asia following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. As I have indicated, tomorrow, in Brussels, Alliance Foreign Ministers will be joining Defence Ministers in the Defence Planning Committee to discuss the implications for NATO's defence planning of events in Arghanistan. My right hon. and noble Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary and my right hon. Friend will, of course, be present

Mr. Atkins

I thank my hon. Friend for that detailed answer. What consideration has been given to the position of Turkey in the soft underbelly of Europe, and also to the change of prioritisation, to coin a phrase, in relation to Cyprus?

Mr. Hayhoe

I do not think that it would be proper for me to speculate on the detailed discussions that will take place, but I am sure that the areas mentioned by my hon. Friend will be subsumed in those discussions.

Mr. Dalyell

Have the Government had any information about the statement by Mr. Harold Brown that NATO and Japan should patrol the Gulf? I have it here in black and white, on page 7 of today's paper, and the Minister ought to have been briefed on it by his Department.

Mr. Hayhoe

If the hon. Gentleman puts down a question I shall, of course, check. However, I think that the question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal. I have little doubt that if the report covers discussions that are likely to take place in Brussels, my right hon. Friends will be informed about those matters.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

As the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan has brought Soviet imperialism to within 300 miles of the Straits of Hormuz, are the Government and NATO satisfied that the Sultanate of Oman has enough minesweepers, and whatever else is required, for the security and surveillance of that important waterway?

Mr. Hayhoe

My right hon. Friend had hoped to visit Oman a short time ago, but, alas, that had to be postponed. I have little doubt that when, as it is hoped, that visit is again set up, these matters will be discussed.