HC Deb 08 February 1993 vol 218 c495W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with his NATO counterparts relating to the United Nations military staff committee; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

NATO support for United Nations peacekeeping was discussed by alliance Defence Ministers at the Defence Planning Committee meeting in Brussels in December 1992; liaison continues between staffs at the NATO and United Nations headquarters. The Government fully support the idea of strengthening the military component of the United Nations Secretariat in order to help improve the planning and conduct of United Nations operations with a military element. This is being pursued as part of the follow-up to the United Nations Secretary-General's report "An Agenda for Peace" in which the United Kingdom is playing an active part.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration he has given to the establishment of a military planning group at the United Nations; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The Government fully support the idea of strengthening the military component of the United Nations Secretariat in order to help improve the planning and conduct of United Nations operations with a military element. This is being pursued as part of the follow up to the United Nations Secretary-General's report, "An Agenda for Peace" in which the United Kingdom is playing an active part.