§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the meeting of Foreign and Defence Ministers of the Western European Union planned to take place in Bonn on 22 and 23 April was held on these dates; and if he will make a statement on the current policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard to the objectives and role of that organisation.
§ Mr. LuceYes; the Bonn Ministerial meeting took place as planed. Copies of the communique are in the Library. We regard the Western European Union as a valuable forum for joint political debate between Foreign and Defence Ministers of member countries on defence and security matters of importance to Europe. We aim through WEU to strengthen European security cooperation, and the European contribution to the alliance.