---

Afghanistan and Pakistan

My Lords, could we have greater clarity about this 9,500 force level? Our commanders have asked for it, but my noble friend has just established that the Prime Minister is saying that the force level will be achieved only when those conditions have been met. The Minister said that if they have not all been achieved the troops will not go, which must naturally follow. In what timescale do the Government estimate that the conditions will be met? In answer to questions this afternoon, the Minister said, "We are trying to encourage our allies, and we think one or two of them are ready to do so". It does not sound like a very immediate timescale. Can she help?