HC Deb 07 March 1989 vol 148 c502W
20. Mr. John Browne

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Warsaw pact has reduced its capability to conduct large-scale offensive operations.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The Warsaw pact has not reduced its capability to conduct large-scale offensive operations since, as yet, there has been no movement rearward of the relevant manpower or equipment. Even if all the reductions recently announced by the Soviet Union and other Warsaw pact countries are implemented the Warsaw pact forces will still enjoy a considerable superiority in Key offensive weapon systems, such as tanks and artillery, in the central region.