HC Deb 03 November 1993 vol 231 c299W
Mr. Hutton

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the remit of NATO's nuclear planning group includes discussion of nuclear arms control and nuclear non-proliferation issues.

Mr. Hanley

Issues relating to nuclear arms control and non-proliferation are discussed at nuclear planning group meetings to the extent that they affect the responsibilities of NATO Defence Ministers.

Mr. Hutton

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his Department's view of the purpose and remit of NATO's nuclear planning group.

Mr. Hanley

The purpose of the nuclear planning group is to enable alliance Defence Ministers to discuss matters relating to NATO's nuclear posture, including questions of policy, doctrine, plans and procedures.

Mr. Hutton

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if NATO will consider extending the membership of the nuclear planning group to include non-treaty members of the North Atlantic Co-operation Council.

Mr. Hanley

We do not consider that it would be appropriate for co-operation partners to participate in the work of the nuclear planning group.