HC Deb 20 February 1957 vol 565 c428
43. Mr. G. Brown

asked the Minister of Defence if he will make a statement about the recent discussions with the French Defence Minister, M. Maurice Bourges-Maunoury.

Mr. Sandys

At our meeting here on 14th February the French Minister of Defence put forward certain proposals for closer collaboration on defence between Britain and France within the framework of the Western European Union, with particular reference to research and production. These proposals are now being examined, with a view to a further meeting between us in due course.

Mr. Brown

Does the Minister accept the statement made by the French Minister when he returned that France is ahead of Britain in tanks, anti-tank missiles, support aircraft and electrical equipment, and asks nothing better than to help her British allies in these matters? Does the right hon. Gentleman accept that as a fair statement of the position discovered at these talks?

Mr. Sandys

I do not think that it would contribute to closer Anglo-French understanding for me to comment on that statement.

Mr. Shinwell

In the recent discussions with the French Defence Minister, did the right hon. Gentleman ascertain the views of the French Defence Minister on the appointment of General Speidel, which is now the subject of very acute controversy in the French Chamber?

Mr. Sandys

The subject was not mentioned.