HL Deb 22 July 1996 vol 574 cc87-8WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why, if it is NATO's intention to take decisions about enlargement later this year, they have still not produced estimates of the costs of enlargement, and how, without properly-derived cost estimates, they can decide whether the enlargement of NATO can be afforded.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

Estimates of the possible costs of NATO enlargement made without knowing which countries may be invited to join the Alliance can only be speculative. Cost considerations will, of course, be taken into account as the time comes to take decisions.

Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are conducting studies of their own, or collaborating with other parties, on the costs of NATO enlargement, and when they expect to have properly-derived cost estimates.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

Naturally the Government are studying all aspects of NATO enlargement and will be sharing the results with other Allied governments over the coming months, in the period leading up to the decisions on NATO enlargement.