§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list for each departmental policy review presently in progress or scheduled,(a) a description of the purpose of the review and (b) its expected date of completion. [10194]
§ Dr. Reid[holding answer 22 July 1997]: The purpose of the Strategic Defence Review is to reassess our essential security interests and defence needs, to ensure that the United Kingdom's defence capabilities are matched to the changed strategic setting. Work on the review is envisaged to be completed around the turn of the year.