§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence what effect the United Kingdom task force in the South Atlantic will have on the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's ability to ensure collective security at sea in the event of an attack on the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.
§ Mr. BlakerShips and aircraft of the task force remain committed to NATO during their deployment in the South Atlantic but are generally at a lower level of availability. The NATO authorities have been informed of these changes. Our Alliance partners fully understand the reasons and there is a great deal of support for our cause.