HC Deb 15 April 1980 vol 982 cc1006-7
16. Mr. Michael Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he intends to meet his North Atlantic Treaty Organisation colleagues.

17. Mr. Robert Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects next to meet his North Atlantic Treaty Organisation counterparts.

Mr. Pym

At the Eurogroup and NATO defence planning committee meetings in May.

Mr. Brown

Will 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. Pym

Most 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. Atkins

Will 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. Pym

I doubt that that subject will come up at the defence planning committee meeting. However, in other forums I am considering the matter with our Allies.