§ 27. Mr. Luceasked the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had within NATO on the re-examination of NATO areas of responsibilities.
§ 41. Miss Fookesasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will seek to widen the sphere of activities of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation in view of the build up of the Soviet fleet in the Indian Ocean.
§ Mr. MasonWe have to take account of the Soviet naval activity in this area since, like other Western countries, we have legitimate interests there, particularly the security of important trade routes. However, I would not accept that it would be appropriate to seek to extend NATO's responsibilities beyond the existing NATO area.