§ Mr. MacdonaldTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his Department's policy towards negotiating reductions in Soviet naval power through arms control.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonHer Majesty's Government are always willing to consider any proposal aimed at increasing mutual trust, openness and confidence, and enhancing security and stability. In general terms, we consider that negotiations relating specifically to maritime forces would at present be premature, but the possibility of some naval transparency measures is under consideration.