HC Deb 20 May 1996 vol 278 cc52-3W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the availability of NATO intelligence information to the Western European Union. [29893]

Mr. Soames

The recent conclusion of a security agreement between NATO and the WEU will improve the exchange of classified information, including intelligence, between the two organisations.

Dr. Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement concerning the establishment of a Western European Union political and military situation centre. [29892]

Mr. Soames

At their meeting in Lisbon in May 1995, WEU Ministers approved a decision to provide WEU with new decision-making mechanisms and structures, including the establishment of a situation centre to monitor and report on developing crises and act as a communication channel during operations. The UK's current Presidency of WEU has ensured that the situation centre will be operational by the second phase of Exercise WEU Crisex 95–96 in June this year.

Dr. Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy concerning the Western European Union's use of NATO military assets. [29894]

Mr. Soames

In accordance with the NATO summit declaration of 1994, our policy is that collective assets of the alliance should be available, on the basis of consultation in the North Atlantic Council, for operations that may be conducted by the WEU. This will include the possibility of making available combined joint task force headquarters.

Dr. Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the measures adopted by his Department to enhance the operational capabilities of the Western European Union. [29891]

Mr. Soames

Details of the defence initiatives undertaken during the UK Presidency of WEU, which runs from 1 January to 30 June 1996, can be found in chapter 1 of the 1996 "Statement on the Defence Estimates", a copy of which is in the Library of the House. As well as securing agreement to our proposals on WEU exercises and strategic mobility, we have offered sea training facilities to other WEU nations and have given impetus to the work to set up a situation centre. We have worked, and will continue to work, to improve links between WEU and NATO. As Presidency, we were instrumental in arranging for the signature on 6 May of the NATO—WEU security agreement, clearing the way for the exchange of classified information between two organisations.

Dr. Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list Western European Union joint exercises planned for the next five years. [29895]

Mr. Soames

Exercise WEU Crisex 95–96 is the only WEU-led exercise currently planned. Phases 2 and 3 of this exercise, which take place in June and December 1996, will test operational procedures for a WEU humanitarian mission. WEU nations have also invited the organisation to participate in a number of nationally led exercises. At the WEU Council of Ministers in Birmingham on 7 May, Ministers agreed the establishment of an exercise planning conference which will set out a future programme of WEU exercises. We expect that the first conference will be held this year.