HC Deb 06 December 1984 vol 69 cc272-3W
Mrs. Clwyd

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how the defensive nature of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation alliance influences force structures and tactical planning.

Mr. Stanley

NATO's deterrent strategy of forward defence and flexible response forms the basis of all its planning.

Mrs. Clwyd

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how the role of 1st British Corps is influenced by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation strategy of forward defence.

Mr. Stanley

The planning and disposition of 1st British Corps on that sector of NATO's central region to which it is assigned reflects NATO's strategy of forward defence.

Mrs. Clwyd

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what are the implications for the battle role of 1st British Corps of the adoption by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation of the follow-on force attack doctrine.

Mr. Stanley

The adoption by NATO of follow-on force attack as a long-term planning guideline will not affect the role of 1st British Corps; consideration of any implications for the detailed conduct of that role will be part of the further development of long-term planning.

Mrs. Clwyd

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what alternative strategies to follow-on force attack have been considered by the North Atlantic Trety Organisation.

Mr. Stanley

NATO has adhered consistently to its defensive strategy based on forward defence and flexible response since its adoption in 1967. The long-term planning guideline follow-on force attack is consistent with that strategy.

Mrs. Clwyd

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what studies he has made of the implications for the level of reserves of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation adopting the doctrine of follow-on force attack.

Mr. Stanley

FOFA was adopted by NATO as a long-term planning guideline. Implications for the level of reserves is one of the many aspects to receive due consideration in the further development of long-term planning in this as in other areas.

Mrs. Clwyd

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what requirement for offensive action is envisaged in current North Atlantic Treaty Organisation strategy on the central European front.

Mr. Stanley

We have repeatedly made it clear that NATO is a defensive alliance, and that none of our weapons will be used except in response to an attack.