HC Deb 20 July 1993 vol 229 cc165-6W
25. Mr. Jim Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has held with WEU allies on the organisation's ability to transport troops and equipment to areas of potential conflict in the absence of full United States support; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hanley

WEU Ministers agreed, at their last meeting in Rome on 19 May, that the WEU planning cell should develop studies relating to capabilities for strategic mobility. These studies form part of ongoing work in the WEU on the development of its operational role, as agreed at Maastricht and at Petersberg. The development of WEU concepts in this area is intended to be complementary to and compatible with alliance arrangements.