HL Deb 26 July 1999 vol 604 cc149-50WA
Lord Moynihan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What extent they consider that it is time for a revision of the foreign policy-led Strategic Defence Review in order to avoid overstretch of the British Armed Forces. [HL3654]

Lord Gilbert

The Strategic Defence Review does not need revision. The MoD's new strategic planning process ensures that there is now a policy-led re-evaluation of defence plans every year.

The problem of overstretch is a key priority which is being addressed urgently both as part of this process and through the introduction of measures such as those announced by the Secretary of State on 19 July.