§ 34. Mr. Tom Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what initiatives he is contemplating in the field of verification of arms control agreements.
§ Mr. RentonWe are actively seeking solutions to verification issues which are a key element in several current arms control negotiations. We are constantly reviewing the scope for new initiatives in this field.
§ 37. Mr. Maplesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will set out the policy of the Government towards proposals that the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union should reach a bilateral nuclear arms control agreement.
§ Mr. RentonAs we have frequently stated, if the Soviet and US strategic arsenals were to be very substantially reduced, and if no significant changes had occurred in Soviet defensive capability, we would want to review our position and consider how best we could contribute to arms control in the light of the reduced threat. That remains the position.
§ 64. Mr. Bellinghamasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on arms control in the light of recent proposals by Mr. Gorbachev.
§ Mr. RentonI refer my hon. Friend to the answer that my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Bruinvels) on 30 June, at column 390.
§ 86. Mr. Strangasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he plans to have with Mr. Shevardnadze on arms control treaties.
§ Mr. RentonAs my right hon. and learned Friend told the House on 18 June, he looks forward to discussions on 205W arms control with Mr. Shevardnadze, as do I. However, it would not be appropriate to go into further detail at this stage.