HC Deb 28 November 1997 vol 301 cc678-9W
Ann Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimates of the cost of NATO expansion he plans to provide to the House. [18030]

Mr. Fatchett

NATO is currently conducting an assessment of the military and financial implications of enlargement. This will be the most authoritative study of the issue to date. Once this has been completed and considered by NATO Ministers in December we will publish as much information as possible as soon as we can.

Ann Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library a copy of NATO's cost study on enlargement after it has been approved by NATO Foreign Ministers on 16 December. [18028]

Mr. Fatchett

The publication of NATO documents is a matter for NATO Member States collectively. The handling of NATO's assessments of the military and financial implications of enlargement is still under consideration at NATO.

Ann Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether NATO is keeping Russia informed of the financial implications of NATO enlargement. [18029]

Mr. Fatchett

No. The NATO/Russia Founding Act, which provides the basis for consultation between NATO and Russia on matters of European Security, does not provide for discussion on any aspect of NATO enlargement. Enlargement, including its financial implications, is a matter for members of the Alliance and those countries who have been invited to seek accession.