Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of when Defence spending will reach 2.5% of GDP, and whether he has issued subsequent guidance to (a) Lord Robertson and (b) the external reviewers of Strategic Defence Review 2004-05.

This Government's commitment to spending 2.5% on Defence is included in the Strategic Defence Review Terms of Reference. The Review will conclude in accordance with these terms, taking into account what is deliverable and affordable.