HL Deb 28 February 1997 vol 578 cc116-7WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they believe it is satisfactory that while procedures exist within NATO for sharing information on bilateral activities (as stated in the answer given by Earl Howe on 12 February, Hansard (WA 22), these procedures are not to be regularly used; and whether they will propose that when bilateral activities bear on the interests of other members of NATO, the use of procedures should be obligatory.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Earl Howe)

As I indicated to the noble Lord in my Written Answer on 12 February (Official Report, col.WA 22) NATO procedures for sharing information on bilateral activities are used regularly, and the UK believes them to be satisfactory. We do not intend to propose that sharing information on such activities be made obligatory.