HC Deb 08 July 1985 vol 82 cc360-1W
Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if Her Majesty's Government will make it their policy to support in principle proposals for a sanctuary agreement banning hostile submarine deployment adjacent to the coastlines of the United States of America and the Soviet Union.

Mr. Stanley

The British Government believe the highest priority should be given to reducing the levels of nuclear weapons and fully supports US efforts at the Geneva negotiations to do so. A sanctuary agreement such as that referred to would not reduce the level of forces, and would pose complex verification issues.