HC Deb 15 July 2002 vol 389 cc25-6W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether a timetable has been established for the completion of the WMD response initiatives suggested by the US on the 6 to 7 June meeting of the NATO Defence Ministers; what the estimated cost is of the initiatives; and if he will make a statement. [69071]

Mr. Hoon

Following the Defence Ministers' meeting, the NATO military authorities are conducting detailed work to develop and finalise the NBC Defence Initiatives

for endorsement at NATO's forthcoming summit meeting in Prague in November. It is therefore too soon to estimate any costs. However, it is intended to implement all of the initiatives by 2004.

The United Kingdom strongly supports these initiatives, which will enhance Alliance capability in this important area. We shall be taking a full part in the detailed development work.