§ Lord Jenkins of Putneyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether it is the case that both the USA and the USSR are abiding by the terms of the SALT II Treaty and that the continued refusal of the United States congress to ratify the treaty is serving no purpose other than to aggravate relations between the superpowers; and, having regard to the strong interest of the United Kingdom, what action the Government are taking to maintain SALT II and to promote the successful outcome of the START negotiations.
§ Lord BelsteadThe United States Administration have undertaken not to undercut the SALT II agreement as long as the Soviet Government continue to do likewise. This is an interim measure. The United States intention is to secure agreement, in the START talks, to substantial reductions in strategic weapon levels. We strongly support them in this aim.
House adjourned for the Summer Recess at fourteen minutes past one o'clock until Tuesday, 12th October next.