§ Mr. Warrenasked the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has as to the type of chemical agent held in the stockpile in excess of 300,000 tonnes by Soviet forces, particularly in east Europe, referred to in his answer to the hon. Member for Hastings on 24 February, Official Report, c. 524.
§ Mr. BlakerThe Soviet forces have a wide range of CW agents, including blood agents—hydrogen cyanide — nerve agents — Sarin and thickened Soman — and blister agents — Mustard/Lewisite. These agents have persistence times ranging from minutes to days. Additionally, continuing Soviet research may have resulted in other, as yet unidentified, agents being added to the stockpile. We assume quantities of all available agents would be held in eastern Europe.