§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with his NATO allies regarding the South-East European flank; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PymAt the spring meeting of NATO's defence planning committee Alliance defence Ministers agreed that the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan has brought more sharply into focus the strategic importance of the southern flank and the need for strengthening the defence postures of member countries in that area.