asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has invited ships of the Soviet navy to pay an official visit to Great Britain; and if he will make a statement.

In accordance with the Anglo-Soviet Joint Statement of 17th February 1975 we have agreed with the Soviet authorities to a simultaneous exchange of naval ship visits later this year. One vessel in each direction will be involved. Arrangements for the visits are still under discussion and details will be announced in due course.