§ Mr. Terlezkiasked the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has about recent changes in the level of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics' nuclear forces; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StanleyInformation on Soviet nuclear forces at the beginning of 1984 was contained in annex A of the Statement of Defence Estimates 1984. This data will be revised in the Statement of Defence Estimates 1985. Over the past year the Soviet Union has continued to expand and modernise its nuclear forces. Two new Soviet intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) are in an advanced 701W stage of development. New strategic ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) have been launched, and a new submarine launched ballistic missile flight tested.
Another strategic bomber is under development and a new variant of the BEAR bomber designed to carry cruise missiles is operational; additional BACKFIRE bombers have been deployed. Long range cruise missiles for launch from ground, sea and air platforms have been or are about to be deployed. A large number of new SS20 bases in both the Eastern and Western USSR are under construction. Improved versions of the shorter range SCALEBOARD, SCUD and FROG missiles have been developed and during 1984 for the first time SCALEBOARD missiles were deployed into Eastern Europe. Soviet nuclear capable artillery is being improved and additional weapons are being deployed.