§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement regarding the launch of the latest Soviet space satellite; and if he considers its launch to have any implications for United Kingdom defence.
§ Mr. PymThe Soviet Union has a large space satellite programme. In 1979 it launched more than 100 satellites, most of which were communications, navigation and surveillance systems with a military connotation. On 18 April the Soviet Union launched a satellite with the apparent aim of trying to intercept another of their satellites. Such satellite interceptor tests, and the Soviet space programme in general, do, of course, contribute an important element to overall Soviet military capabilities.