§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will spell out how they hope to develop peace and security in the Middle East, if they agree with General Schwartzkopf that a permanent United States military presence in the Gulf will contribute to such peace and security, and, if so, how they see such a "presence" being paid for
The Earl of Caithness:Peace and security in the Middle East depend primarily on the establishment of security arrangements worked out by the states of the region and underpinned by mutual economic co-operation. Other countries could have a role in underpinning these arrangements. We stand ready to play our part if asked. We have made clear that our ground forces will not be stationed permanently in the region. US deployments are a matter for the US authorities to decide.