HC Deb 23 July 1984 vol 64 c531W
Mr. Terlezki

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether the current North Atlantic Treaty Organisation naval force levels are sufficient to defend European security; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Stanley

NATO maintains sufficient forces—nuclear and conventional—to convince any aggressor that he could not hope to gain from an attack and so provide an effective deterrent in defence of alliance security. NATO keeps under close review the threat posed by Soviet forces, including maritime forces, and will continue to take steps to ensure that deterrence is maintained.

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