§ Mr. LeightonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what distinctions are drawn in policy between defence and security in the context of negotiations on extending the competence of the EC.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe Twelve already discuss some aspects of security within the framework of European political co-operation. As part of the process of closer foreign policy co-ordination among the Twelve, we see scope to develop this further, but would not support the extension of Community competence into this area. Defence itself—the planning, organisation, command, control and commitment of military forces—is one aspect of broader security policy. We believe that NATO should remain the main forum for consultation on defence matters affecting the alliance as a whole. Closer European co-operation on defence could be achieved by strengthening the Western European Union.