HL Deb 28 February 1994 vol 552 cc63-4WA
Lord Stoddart of Swindon

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether secret information concerning defence and foreign affairs is being made available to non-UK governments of the European Union and to the European Commission; and if so, for what purpose.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

As in other areas of international co-operation between partners, there is a regular exchange of information, some of which is necessarily confidential, between the member states of the European Union. The Commission, which is fully associated with the Common Foreign and Security Policy, also participates in such exchanges, which are essential for the effective functioning of the CFSP. The Commission guarantees the security of such information. Issues with defence implications are handled in the Western European Union, where there is a similar arrangement for the exchange of information.