HC Deb 17 July 1990 vol 176 cc539-40W
56. Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what decisions he has made about the role of the Army following a possible conventional forces in Europe agreement.

74. Mr. Darling

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what decisions he has made about the role of the Army following a possible conventional forces in Europe agreement.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Manchester, Blackley (Mr. Eastham) earlier today.

62. Mr. Barry Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress is being made in the conventional forces in Europe negotiations; and what are the prospects for achieving a conventional forces in Europe treaty on the size and disposition of forces in Europe during the current year.

Mr. Thurnham

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on progress on conventional forces disarmament.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The conventional armed forces in Europe talks which opened in Vienna in March 1989 are making good progress. Agreement has been reached on definitions for tanks, armoured combat vehicles and artillery, and is close for combat helicopters. Agreement has also been reached on ceilings for all these categories except artillery. Significant differences remain on the treatment of combat aircraft, and there is much detailed work still to do on verification. As was made clear in the NATO summit declaration of 6 July, we attach great importance to the successful conclusion of these negotiations this year. We understand that the USSR shares that aim.

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