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Earl Howe: My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord for that question. I did indeed indicate in a Written Answer that we should not be publishing either report;
but we are now discussing with Professor Brown whether there is a way in which to allow an abbreviated or amended version of his report to be published to inform the general debate. I cannot yet give an undertaking to that effect but we are working towards that end.I believe that this has been a useful short debate. I welcome the opportunity to stress the importance of the NATO alliance as the centre of our defence policy. The views and engagement of the United States are vital to the success of NATO; but, as the noble Lord knows, NATO operates through the consensus of 16 sovereign nations. I am sure that over the months and years ahead, there will be no shortage of ideas propounded by a host of individuals and bodies as to how NATO should adapt. But NATO's established doctrines will change only after exhaustive discussions among the 16 allies. In the meantime, I believe that we can all reflect on the fact that NATO, as an increasingly flexible military force, stands ready to respond, and respond effectively, to any challenge to our vital interests, military or humanitarian, which may present itself in an increasingly uncertain world.
- House adjourned at twenty six minutes before nine o'clock.
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