§ 18. Mr. Cookasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the recent SALT II treaty in so far as it affects the interests of Her Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. HurdThe Government are satisfied that the agreement will not interfere with continued nuclear and conventional co-operation between the United States and its allies, and that the essential security interests of the Alliance are safeguarded.
§ 19. Mr. Norman Atkinsonasked the Lord Privy Seal what support he has given to the SALT II agreement; and if he will now make a statement about his proposals for SALT III, in so far as it affects the interests of Her Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. HurdThe Government have welcomed the SALT II agreement. We shall support efforts in SALT III to negotiate further limits on strategic arms provided the essential security needs of the Alliance are respected. We are considering with our Allies whether nuclear weapons not at present covered in SALT should be included in future arms control negotiations.