HC Deb 29 November 1988 vol 142 c216W
27. Mr. Caborn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has discussed with his North Atlantic Treaty Organisation colleagues the possibility of parity in conventional forces between the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the Warsaw pact; and if he will make a statement.

46. Mr. Terry Lewis

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has discussed with his NATO colleagues the possibility of parity in conventional forces between NATO and the Warsaw pact; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Alliance nations are co-operating closely at all levels in preparations for the proposed new arms control negotiations on conventional forces in Europe. A major aim is to remove capabilities for surprise attack and large-scale offensive action. This will require, amongst other measures, the elimination of the superiorities currently enjoyed by the Warsaw pact in key weapon systems such as tanks and artillery.