HL Deb 04 April 2001 vol 624 c120WA
Lord Shore of Stepney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Ramsay of Cartvale on 19 March (WA 121), what is the difference between "guaranteed access" and the "presumption of availability" in respect of NATO assets; and whether they will list those NATO "capabilities and common assets" to which reference is made in the Answer. [HL1398]>

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

Guaranteed access to NATO's planning capabilities means that the EU will have guaranteed permanent access to NATO's planning capacities without case-by-case NATO authorisation.

Presumption of availability in respect of other NATO assets and common capabilities means that NATO will in principle be ready to provide such support, but will decide case-by-case on the release of assets for an EU-led operation. A list of the relevant capabilities and common assets has not yet been drawn up.