I agree with my hon. Friend that it would be infinitely preferable to have a comprehensive arms control agreement, which we have been seeking. If the Soviet Union were to respond positively to the verification proposals which we have put forward, agreement should be within our grasp.

My hon. Friend is right to highlight the fact that the Soviet Union has been continuing to invest in a massive chemical warfare capability. We estimate that that amounts to 300,000 tonnes of agent alone. No responsible Government can turn a blind eye to that capability.