§ 48. Mr. Altonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's position on developments towards British participation in any intermediate range nuclear force arms negotiations.
§ Mr. RentonThe Geneva nuclear and space talks are bilateral negotiations between the United States and the Soviet Union. There is no question of British participation.
§ 49. Mr. Fatchettasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Government still support the zero-zero option for intermediate range nuclear forces in Europe.
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§ Mr. Boyesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's position on the intermediate range nuclear forces negotiations with particular reference to the United States negotiating line at the Reykjavik summit.
§ Mr. RentonThe Alliance has consistently made clear its criteria for an acceptable INF agreement. These include the need for equal and global limits, appropriate constraints on shorter range INF and effective verification.
§ Mr. Boyesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government have been involved, or intend to become involved, in any discussions with the United States Administration concerning the reinterpretation or otherwise of the ABM treaty in relation to the SDI programme; and if he will make a statment.
§ Mr. RentonWe are not a party to the ABM treaty, although we have discussed ABM treaty issues with the United States Administration and will continue to do so as appropriate.