HC Deb 09 March 1995 vol 256 c347W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what occasions in the last year he has met(a) his French and (b) his German counterparts to discuss his Department's ideas for the development of the Western European Union; and what were the outcomes of these meetings.

Mr. Soames

My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has regularly met his French and German counterparts over the past year to discuss a wide range of issues that have on occasion included matters concerning the Western European Union.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will specify the actions his Department are promoting to develop the Western European Union's planning and command and control capacities.

Mr. Soames

The actions we are promoting are those stated in the memorandum on the United Kingdom's approach to the treatment of European defence issues at the 1996 inter-governmental conference, a copy of which is in the Library of the House. These includes provisional offers of assistance in developing the handling of intelligence and the creation of a situation centre.