§ Mr. CartwrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy in respect of the redistribution to other NATO Governments of weapon systems removed by NATO nations as the result of a CFE treaty.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonWe need to ensure that, while complying fully with a CFE treaty to reduce certain categories of equipment holdings in both alliances, NATO retains an effective defence capability. NATO is consequently examining the scope for reallocating equipment between allies so that the less efficient items currently in service would be destroyed first. Any such reallocations would have to be fully compliant with CFE treaty obligations.