§ Mr. Patrick ThompsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the force reductions announced by Mr. Gorbachev.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonHer Majesty's Government welcome the reductions in Soviet forces recently announced by Mr. Gorbachev as a significant step towards the elimination of the Warsaw pact's superiorities in conven[...]onal forces in Europe. However, even if the announced reductions are implemented, the Warsaw pact will continue to enjoy significant numerical superiorities in key equipments such as tanks and artillery. NATO must, therefore, continue with its existing policy of deterrence whilst seeking balance in conventional forces in Europe through the arms control process.