HC Deb 09 December 2002 vol 396 cc15-6W
Angus Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much the United Kingdom paid in the last financial year to NATO as its share of NATO's overall costs, broken down into budget headings; and if he will make a statement. [86392]

Mr. Hoon

Direct contributions to NATO's Security Investment Programme (NSEP) and Military Budget (MB) are paid from the United Kingdom Defence Budget. Currently, the UK's share of the NSIP is 10.2 per cent. and of the MB is 16.0 per cent. From January 2003, this will be amended to 12.5 per cent. for both, with no overall increase in cost to UK.

In the Financial Year 2001–2002, the UK paid £62.5 million to the NSIP and £53.1 million to the MB.

Direct contributions to NATO's civil budget are the responsibility of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The UK's share of this is 17.25 per cent. In the Financial Year 2001–2002 the UK paid some £13.9 million (lower than the anticipated contribution of £16.5 million due to the timing of payments).