HC Deb 09 January 1996 vol 269 cc8-9
7. Dr. Spink

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the Government's policy on the enlargement of NATO [6344]

Mr. Soames

The Government support the enlargement of NATO and are playing an important role in enhancing the stability and security of the whole of Europe.

Dr. Spink

Will my hon. Friend continue his policy of maintaining and building on NATO's strength and not jeopardise that strength by over-rapid development of NATO by following Labour's Eurocentric policies? Does my hon. Friend agree that the Labour party cannot be trusted to maintain a strong NATO and, indeed, cannot be trusted on defence?

Mr. Soames

I wholly agree with my hon. Friend on both issues. NATO is the most successful defensive alliance that the world has ever seen. My hon. Friend is right to confirm that it must and will remain for ever the cornerstone of our European defence. It is inconceivable that we could consider true security in Europe other than on the basis of a transatlantic alliance. I share my hon. Friend's real concerns and those of many ordinary people the length and breadth of the land about the United Kingdom's security should Labour ever come to power again.

Mr. Gapes

Is the Minister, when considering future security in the north Atlantic, alarmed at the developments in Guatemala, where the hand-picked candidate of the extreme right-wing former dictator is ahead in the elections? That man, Senor Alfonso Portillo, could become President. Is the Minister—

Madam Speaker

Order. That supplementary question is entirely out of order. It is the first day back and I shall bear in mind my reprimand to the hon. Member for the next two or three weeks. Let us have another question.

Sir Geoffrey Johnson Smith

Coming from Guatemala closer to home, and agreeing with my hon. Friend about the significant importance of NATO and the excellent support that the Government have given and continue to give to NATO through the "Partnership for Peace" proposals, when considering the enlargement of NATO, will he assure the House that, in addition to the "Partnership for Peace" proposals, he will give the most urgent consideration to including the Visegrad countries—the countries of central Europe—as full members of NATO?

Mr. Soames

My hon. Friend has probably had a more honourable and distinguished career in respect of such efforts than anyone in this place. His contribution to NATO is great. He knows that the "Partnership for Peace" operation has been an outstanding success. He is right to warn that countries will not for ever tolerate being dragged along on the PFP programme. The how and why of the enlargement programme are almost settled. There is further work to be done, however, on retaining the effectiveness of NATO while the transition to enlargement takes place. Otherwise, I can definitely give the assurance that my hon. Friend seeks.

Mr. Spellar

The Minister is obviously aware that one of the key issues in NATO is the harmonisation of equipment. Can he give us a better reply than his colleague and say how he reconciles that with considering field ambulances from non-NATO Austria over the world-class Land Rover? When will he put British industry first?

Mr. Soames

I know that the hon. Gentleman has a number of failings, but I did not know that deafness was one of them. My hon. Friend has said that no decision has yet been taken. The hon. Gentleman's question is therefore a total waste of time.