HC Deb 24 April 1985 vol 77 cc438-9W
25. Mr. Patrick Thompson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department is taking to publicise the extent of Soviet research into defences against ballistic missiles.

Mr. Luce

As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has made clear. Soviet programmes in this field are indeed extensive and long-established. My right hon. and learned Friend referred to them in his speech on 15 March. We broadly endorse the assessment which appears in the 1985 edition of Soviet Military Power published by the United States Department of Defence.

39. Mr. Chope

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information his Department now possesses on the subject of Soviet research into defences against ballistic missiles.

Mr. Luce

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave earlier to my hon. Friend the Member for Norwich, North (Mr. Thompson).

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