HC Deb 26 March 1985 vol 76 cc142-3W
59. Mr. Dykes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent Her Majesty's Government are able to gauge that United Kingdom interests will be safeguarded in the latest round of United States—Soviet disarmament negotiations; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Luce

As I told my hon. Friend the Member for Stafford (Mr. Cash) on 13 March, at column 166, we shall continue to maintain close and constant contacts with the United States, both bilaterally and in NATO. These contacts include discussion of our common interests that the Geneva negotiations achieve effective agreements aimed at preventing an arms race in space, terminating it on earth and achieving security with reduced levels of offensive systems on both sides. We shall use appropriate opportunities to ensure that the Soviet Government remain fully seized of our views and interests.

60. Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the progress of the Geneva arms talks and Government policy on disarmament.

Mr. Luce

We have warmly welcomed the opening of the talks in Geneva. We recognise that the issues under discussion are complex and intricate. Long and difficult negotiations may well be required if our aim of balanced and verifiable measures of arms control is to be achieved. We hope nevertheless that progress will be made.

62. Mr. Johnston

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's policy regarding the issues to be discussed at the Geneva talks on disarmament; and what steps he proposes to take to make Her Majesty's Government's position known to the negotiators.

Mr. Luce

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister emphasised during her recent meetings with President Reagan and Mr. Gorbachev that we share the objective of the United States that the negotiations should work out effective agreements aimed at preventing an arms race in space, terminating it on earth and achieving security with reduced levels of offensive systems on both sides.