I agree with my hon. Friend that, on the basis of Soviet action, we can only be pessimistic about that country's intentions. I hope that if we remain resolute and united in NATO in our negotiating posture the Russians will, in due course, agree to some sensible arrangement to reduce the number of SS20s that they have deployed.

I agree that the cruise and Pershing II missiles are intended partly to replace out-of-date weapons systems such as the Vulcan bomber, and partly to match the very big build up of SS20s.