§ 7. Mrs. GormanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what aims the Government have for their presidency of the Western European Union. [816]
§ Mr. PortilloWe intend to concentrate our efforts during the United Kingdom presidency on ensuring that the WEU can fulfil more effectively its operational role as the European pillar of the transatlantic alliance.
§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the issues discussed and decisions taken at the recent Western European Union meeting in Madrid; and if he will place in the Library copies of all Western European Union declarations made in 1995. [1575]
§ Mr. SoamesThe WEU Ministerial Council met in Madrid on 14 November. Ministers approved an options paper prepared as the WEU's contribution to the 1996 intergovernmental conference, and publication of a reflection document entitled "European security: a common concept of the 27 WEU countries". Ministers also took decisions on a range of measures to strengthen the WEU's operational capability, and welcomed a statement by the UK on the programme for its presidency commencing on 1 January 1996, which focuses on the568W WEU's further operational development. Copies of all 1995 WEU declarations not already in the Library of the House will be placed there.