§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost per annum to his Department of NATO's partnership for peace process. [9977]
§ Mr. SoamesThe UK's direct contribution to the commonly funded NATO costs of the partnership for peace programme is estimated to amount to some £790,000 in 1996; the costs of UK military personnel seconded to the partnership co-ordination cell at supreme headquarters allied powers in Europe in Mons are some £200,000 annually. In addition, the UK's outreach programme of bilateral co-operation with central and eastern European countries contains many activities which are linked to, or conducted within the spirit of partnership for peace.