Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 9 January 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 15 January 2002. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 January 2002 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what action will be taken to improve the level of enabling forces and weapons which are required to meet the Petersburg Tasks prior to 2008; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what action will be taken to improve the level of enabling forces and weapons which are required to meet the Petersberg Tasks prior to 2008; and if he will make a statement. [26707] Mr. Hoon: Under the Helsinki Headline Goal, EU member states are to be able, by 2003, to deploy and sustain for at least a year up to 60,000 personnel, with air and naval support as necessary, capable of conducting the full spectrum of Petersberg Tasks. At a Capabilities Commitment Conference in November 2000 and the further Capabilities Improvement Conference in November 2001, member states contributed a wide range of forces and capabilities to this target. Member states have also agreed to put in place a European Capabilities Action Plan to address remaining shortfalls based on voluntary efforts and building on existing national and multinational initiatives. This work is now being pursued under the Spanish Presidency.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 26707; 378 c125W;378 c123W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Armed forces Deployment Defence equipment Humanitarian aid EU common foreign and security policy Peacekeeping operations Navy Military aircraft EU defence policy Petersberg tasks
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk