§ 16. Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Defence when he intends to meet his North Atlantic Treaty Organisation colleagues.
§ 17. Mr. Robert Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects next to meet his North Atlantic Treaty Organisation counterparts.
§ Mr. BrownWill my right hon. Friend take to the meeting a copy of his excellent White Paper, and draw the attention of the Allies to the fact that we are more than honouring our obligation—and quite rightly so? Will he seek an assurance from his fellow colleagues that their countries will also seek to make the same contribution as Britain to NATO?
§ Mr. PymMost of our Allies are fulfilling the aim to increase expenditure by 3 per cent. Some of those who are not doing so have had a good record in recent years, unlike some other members. I take the point made by my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. AtkinsWill my right hon. Friend discuss with his NATO colleagues and counterparts the next aeroplane—the so-called AST 403? Can we have a decision on this matter as soon as possible?
§ Mr. PymI doubt that that subject will come up at the defence planning 1007 committee meeting. However, in other forums I am considering the matter with our Allies.