HC Deb 08 May 1978 vol 949 c408W
Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what account he is taking in his naval plans of the forthcoming entry into service in the Soviet navy of the "Minsk" and "Kharkov" and further aircraft carriers; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Duffy

In formulating our naval plans we naturally take into account likely developments in the threat posed by the Soviet maritime forces, including, of course, the introduction into service of Soviet aircraft carriers. We believe that our plans provide for an effective contribution to NATO's strategy of deterrence.