HC Deb 14 June 1990 vol 174 cc329-30W
Mr. O'Neill

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what expenditure has been incurred to date on the study of options for change.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The work is being done by personnel in the office of management and budget and the defence staff in addition to their normal duties. We have not sought to attribute their time and related costs between this and their other tasks.

Mr. O'Neill

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what communications have taken place with North Atlantic Treaty Organisation allies about the study of the options for change.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has informed our NATO allies that work on options for change is taking place and he is in close touch with them about international developments and the evolution of alliance policy, which are important elements in that work.

Mr. O'Neill

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when the options for change study will be completed;

(2) whether the results of the study of the options for change will be published.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Parliament will be informed once the Government have reached a view on the appropriate way forward on the options for change exercise.