asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his assessment of the implications for United Kingdom policy on defence of United States policy towards the interpretation of the anti-ballistic missile treaty.

United States policy on the interpretation of the anti-ballistic missile treaty is a matter for the United States Administration. They have made it clear that any change in policy would be a matter for consultations with us. The implications for our defence policy would be an important element in such consultations. The United States Administration are fully aware that we share their wish to see an arms race in outer space prevented and to work towards the success of the Geneva nuclear and space talks.