§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the Western European Union is currently examining the need for western Europe to have its own intelligence satellite systems, given the uncertainty West European Governments have experienced in the provision by the United States of space-derived and other intelligence in former Yugoslavia, and the veto that country retains over the use by NATO allies of US-provided NATO infrastructure; and if so what are the next steps to be taken by WEU and/or its member states.
Earl HoweThe WEU is currently assessing the need for western Europe to have its own satellite systems. Recommendations on the approach to be taken on future WEU satellite imagery requirements will be put to Ministers at the WEU ministerial meeting in mid November.