§ Mr. Ian TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what support he has received within the European Community intergovernmental conference for his rapid reaction force proposals: and if he will make a statement,136W (2) whether he will give further details of his concept of a rapid reaction force under the auspices of the Western European Union.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonAs part of moves towards a stronger European contribution to collective defence, which the United Kingdom supports, western European nations are discussing the idea of a European reaction force, able to operate autonomously outside the NATO area to complement the Atlantic alliance's role in defence of NATO territory. It would draw units from the NATO integrated military structure, and from national forces.