§ Sir David PriceTo ask the Prime Minister in the light of the recent discussions between President Reagan and Mr. Gorbachev, and the signing of the intermediate nuclear forces treaty, what is her estimate of the prospects for securing progress towards world peace in 1988; and what part she expects to be able to play in the process.
§ The Prime MinisterAt the Washington summit, apart from signature of the INF treaty, progress was made in talks on 50 per cent. reductions in United States and Soviet strategic arms. The Government fully support this aim,622W and the other Alliance arms control priorities of a global ban on chemical weapons and the elimination of the imbalance of Warsaw pact and NATO conventional forces in Europe. Lasting confidence between East and West will also require progress on human rights and regional problems including Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan. Her Majesty's Government will continue to play an active role in seeking a safer world.