§ 44. Sir J. Hutchisonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what contact has been established between this country and the newly formed tripartite 836 organisation composed of representatives of the Federal Republic of Germany, France and Italy for research, development and production of weapons and equipment.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Ian Harvey)The three Governments have informed Her Majesty's Government and their other North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Allies of the nature of their agreement and of their intentions. As the House will realise, the information is confidential and I am not in a position to disclose it.
§ Sir J. HutchisonWill my hon. Friend remember, in general terms, that discussion to avoid individual action, even on a tripartite basis, is, under the policy of interdependence, very desirable?
§ Mr. HarveyYes, Sir. I think my hon. Friend will recognise that these agreements are essentially within the framework of W.E.U.