§ 32. Mr. CouchmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received seeking the reduction of the United Kingdom's defence budget to the average North Atlantic Treaty Organisation level.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonNone. The United Kingdom's defence expenditure and the extent of our contribution to the Alliance is substantially above the NATO median. The United Kingdom's defence budget is planned to rise in real terms over the period to 1991–92 and taking into account the latest reported budgetary plans of the other members of the Alliance, the United Kingdom is likely to remain amongst the leading contributors.
§ 67. Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he next plans to meet the Secretary General of NATO; and what matters will be discussed.
§ Mr. YoungerI next expect to see Dr. Woerner at the meeting of NATO's defence planning committee next month. We shall discuss a wide range of subjects of mutual interest.
Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on(a) the failures and, (b) the successes, of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation since 1959.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonSince the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty on 4 April 1949, NATO has been outstandingly successful in keeping the peace in Europe during times of instability and rapid change in many parts of the world.