HC Deb 17 November 1954 vol 533 cc394-5
48. Mr. J. R. H. Hutchison

asked the Minister of Defence whether he will, at an early date, establish contact with the West German Government on the question of standardisation of weapons.

Mr. H. Macmillan

During the recent Paris meetings, it was agreed that a working group of representatives of the seven Powers who will be members of the Western European Union should meet on 17th January, 1955, to make proposals to the council of the Union, when it comes into being, regarding the production and standardisation of armaments. This will provide an appropriate means of contact between this country and the Federal German Republic.

Mr. Hutchison

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the importance in this matter of the standardisation of weapons of discussing the question early so that this country may get its share of the provision of such weapons as are to be standardised, which will be for the benefit of the country and also of Western Europe?

Mr. Macmillan

My hon. Friend has great knowledge of this matter and realises how important it is to standardise weapons. Meanwhile it is important that we should concentrate more on new weapons rather than on the old ones.

Mr. S. Silverman

Had not the right hon. Gentleman better wait until the West German Government has power to have any arms at all before he considers standardising their weapons with ours?