HC Deb 12 December 1986 vol 107 c236W
Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Prime Minister if she will make representations to General Secretary Gorbachev for the extension of the current Soviet moratorium on nuclear weapons tests beyond 31 December; and if she will take steps to initiate a reconvening of the trilateral talks between the United States of American, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the United Kingdom on the verification of a comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty.

The Prime Minister

No. As we have repeatedly stated, the resumption of negotiations for a nuclear test ban treaty would be premature before progress has been made on the outstanding issues, particularly verification.