§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will report to Parliament on matters discussed in the Western European Union.
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§ Mr. RentonYes. We shall keep the House informed from time to time of important issues which arise. As I said to the hon. Member on 31 October, we have been working actively with our partners in the Western European Union to find ways of making better use of the organisation. We fully support the declaration and the document outlining institutional improvements which were agreed by Foreign and Defence Ministers at their meeting in Rome on 27 October and welcome their decision to meet regularly together within the WEU framework. Copies of the documents approved on 27 October have been placed in the Library of the House.
None of the measures which are to be taken to revitalise the WEU is intended to duplicate or undermine the Atlantic Alliance, which remains the foundation of our security. The activities of WEU can, however, help to bring about a stronger and more cohesive contribution to NATO from its members and increase public understanding of the European defence role within the Alliance.
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the foreign policy implications for the United Kingdom of the new emphasis on Western European Union.
§ Mr. RentonOur support for a reactivated Western European Union is designed to reinforce our existing foreign policy objectives of maintaining peace and securing the defence of Europe through our commitment to NATO. A revitalised WEU will help us to strengthen the European pillar of the Alliance, and to give political impetus to a more cohesive European defence contribution within it.