§ 15. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the discussions now taking place with a view to permitting West Germany to build destroyers up to 5,000 tons and supply ships up to 6,000 tons.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydI am afraid I cannot make any statement as yet; the matter is under consideration and no decision has yet been taken.
§ Mr. AllaunFirst, does the right hon. and learned Gentleman accept that this was under discussion by the W.E.U. on 16th June? Secondly, is he aware that the two principal West German newspapers reported on 9th and 10th June that their Defence Minister, Herr Strauss, was then in America pressing for the bigger destroyers capable of carrying nuclear rockets?
§ Mr. LloydThe matter was not under discussion at the W.E.U. Council meeting. It has not reached the W.E.U. Council. Hon. Members must remember that the Treaty was made six years ago and there have been certain technical developments since then, for example in the sort of anti-aircraft defence which a vessel must have. That is a factor to be taken into account in considering its size.