HL Deb 10 July 1996 vol 574 cc20-1WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether there are sufficient financial resources available to the relevant governments to meet the costs of the enlargement of the European Union, of NATO or of both; and

Whether the costs of enlargement of the European Union or of NATO have not yet been estimated.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

It is impossible to predict accurately what the exact costs of NATO and EU enlargement will be until we know who will join, when, and on what terms. The terms for NATO and EU enlargement will take account of the differing characteristics of the two organisations, including the different financial consequences of enlargement.

Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why the distribution of the costs of the enlargement of the European Union or of NATO among their members and potential members has not been considered.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

The distribution of the costs of NATO and EU enlargement will be considered when it impossible to predict those costs more accurately.