Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Chidgey (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Wednesday, 25 July 2007.

Afghanistan: NATO Forces

Question: My Lords, can the Minister confirm that, in spite of the commitments made in Riga and Seville, there is still a worrying and significant shortfall in capability on the ground in Afghanistan? Given that some of our NATO allies are unable to secure the political authority to back up their military commitments, what action are the UK Government taking to change or modify the resources, commitments and deployment of our troops in Afghanistan to mitigate the extra risks that they may well face?

Answer: My Lords, the noble Lord points to a concern we all share. It is extraordinarily important for all of us that our troops be as secure as possible. Efforts are under way to improve their equipment and to strengthen NATO support to them.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 694 c793
Session: 2006-07
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Armed forces Deployment Germany France Peacekeeping operations Military alliances Afghanistan NATO ISAF
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk