Written question asked by John Bercow (Conservative) on Monday, 14 June 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 18 June 1999. It was answered by Tony Lloyd (Labour) on Friday, 18 June 1999 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make a statement on the nature, formation and activities of the Political and Security Committee established at the Cologne Council. - Including fact no decisions have yet been taken on the nature, formation and activities of such a Committee.

Answer: Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the nature, formation and activities of the Political and Security Committee established at the Cologne Council. [87304] Mr. Tony Lloyd: I have been asked to reply. The proposal for a Political and Security Committee was made in a Presidency report on strengthening of the common European policy on security and defence to the Cologne European Council. The European Council approved and adopted the report. The report notes that for the EU to decide and conduct effectively the so-called "Petersberg tasks", it may require a permanent body in Brussels (Political and Security Committee) consisting of representatives of member states with political/military expertise. No decisions have yet been taken on the nature, formation and activities of such a Committee.

Secondary information