HL Deb 19 November 1996 vol 575 c129WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will specify the financial criteria which they consider should apply to the enlargement of NATO.

Lord Chesham

It is impossible to predict the likely costs of NATO enlargement until we know who will join, when, and on what terms. Her Majesty's Government will seek to ensure that any measures taken in connection with enlargement are justified and cost-effective. New members must be prepared to share the roles, risks, responsibilities, benefits, and burdens of common security and collective defence.