HC Deb 16 April 1958 vol 586 c139
1. Sir J. Hutchison

asked the Minister of Defence what official communication he has received as to the availability to this country and other members of Western European Union of the results of research, development, and production flowing from the tripartite agreement between France, the Federal Republic of Germany, and Italy.

The Secretary of State for Air (Mr. George Ward)

I have been asked to reply.

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence cannot add anything to the reply he gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Chigwell (Mr. Biggs-Davison) on 2nd April.

Sir J. Hutchison

But matters have moved since that reply was given. Is my right hon. Friend aware that, if the report which appeared in yesterday's The Times is correct that in the matter of research, production and development the organisation of Western European Union already set up for the purpose is to be used, there will be general satisfaction that this step forward has been taken? Will my right hon. Friend ask his right hon. Friend to make a statement on what has been happening in the defence talks as soon as he returns from Paris?

Mr. Ward

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence is currently discussing these matters as well as other problems at the meeting of N.A.T.O. Defence Ministers in Paris. I suggest that my hon. Friend puts down a Question to him when he returns.