asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will initiate bilateral talks with the Soviet Government aimed at improving Ango-Soviet relationships and reducing world tension.

The Government are ready to work with the Soviet Union to reduce the causes of world tension and to develop bilaterial relations on a businesslike and constructive basis. We are looking for some sign, especially in relation to Afghanistan, that the Soviet Union is prepared to do likewise.

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that approaches made from time to time by the West German and French Governments have proved helpful and that any initiative taken by countries on either side of the East-West power blocs to remove misunderstanding and distrust makes a contribution?

The simplest way of removing distrust and improving confidence would be for the Soviet Union to remove its forces from Afghanistan and to cease to breach the Helsinki agreement by tyrannising its own people.