§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals he has for upgrading the defence-related activities of the Western European Union.
§ Mr. SoamesWe remain committed to developing the Western European Union as the means to strengthen the European pillar of the NATO alliance and as the defence component of the European Union. We shall continue to contribute to the development of its operational planning, and to other aspects of its work. As agreed at the NATO summit last January, this process will include the development of separable but not separate capabilities which could respond to European requirements and contribute to alliance security.