§ Mr. StreeterTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what studies have been made of the practical problems that arise from Hungary's accession to NATO; what discussions have been undertaken with non-NATO countries in the region to establish(a) a land or air corridor and (b) a pipe transit; and if he will make a statement. [9624]
§ Dr. ReidI have been asked to reply on behalf of the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.
Geographical location was one of the factors addressed in the NATO studies which preceded the decision to invite Hungary, with Poland and the Czech Republic, to begin accession talks. The process of preparing for their accession will include continuing work within NATO on the military implications of enlargement. This work will reflect the Alliance's intention of carrying out its collective defence and other missions by ensuring the necessary levels of interoperability, integration and capability for reinforcement. I am not aware that any formal discussions have so far taken place with non-NATO countries on these issues.