HC Deb 12 June 2003 vol 406 c1024W
Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what commitments the Government have made regarding improvements in military capabilities in providing deployable forces under the Prague Capabilities Commitment. [117908]

Mr. Hoon

The United Kingdom has consistently made a strong contribution towards the improvement of NATO's capabilities. Our commitments to the Prague Capabilities Commitment are aimed at improving the deployability, sustainability and effectiveness of our armed forces. In particular, we have made commitments in NBC protection equipment, deployable Combat Service Support, secure Communication and Information systems and strategic air and sealift.

In addition to these national commitments, we are participating in multinational efforts to address shortfalls in NATO capability, and in this regard are leading a group looking at chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence.