§ Ann ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the(a) civilian and (b) political elements of NATO expansion.[13917]
§ Mr. Tony LloydAt the Madrid summit in July NATO member states invited the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland to begin accession discussions. We expect these to168W be completed in time for my right hon. Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary to be able to sign accession protocols at the North Atlantic Council on 16 December. After ratification of the three Protocols by all 16 NATO allies the three new members would enter the political, military and civil structures of the alliance. NATO's existing political consultations, civil emergency planning, economic, scientific and environmental activities will all involve the new member states.