§ Mr. Speedasked the Secretary of State for Defence if, on information available to him, he will list the increase in quality and quantity of the Soviet Fleet and its operating bases since April 1979.
§ Mr. BlakerSince April 1979 the number of Soviet major surface combatants has increased from 265 to 280 and the nuclear submarine force from 160 to 180. Qualitative improvements have taken place in a wide range of capabilities includind anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile systems, the speed, endurance and noise reduction of submarines, and in sonar, radar, communications, and electronic warfare systems. Soviet naval dockyard ports have improved in capacity and quality and greater use has been made of port facilities outside the Soviet Union.