§ Q23. Mr. Beithasked the Prime Minister what advice she has given to the Royal Society about contacts with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics scientists and engineers following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government's policy is to curtail high-level and ministerial contacts with the Soviet Union for the time being. Other contacts may proceed if they are in the British interest, I am sure that the Royal Society, which is an independent and responsible body, is well aware of the Government's views and will take them into account in making its own decisions about its contacts with Soviet scientists and engineers.