§ Sir J. Hutchisonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the purpose of the Technical Group under the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation to advise on the problem of arms control arising out of new technical developments, in view of the fact that an organisation for control of weapons, known as the Armaments Control Agency, already exists in Western European Union and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Ian HarveyThe purpose of the proposed Technical Group is to advise on the problem of arms control in relation to disarmament. Her Majesty's Government are still discussing with their North Atlantic Treaty Organisation allies how they will put into effect the decision taken at the North Atlantic216W Treaty Organisation meeting in December to establish the Group. Whereas the Western European Union Armaments Control Agency itself undertakes controls and concerns only seven of the members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, the proposed Technical Group will be advisory and will serve all the members. It is to be expected that there will be close relations between the two Agencies.