HC Deb 21 October 1975 vol 898 cc220-1
4. Mr. Brotherton

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he next expects to meet the French Defence Minister.

Mr. Mason

M. Bourges paid a visit to London at my invitation on 13th and 14th October. I am looking forward to a further meeting with him in due course.

Mr. Brotherton

When the Secretary of State next meets the French Defence Minister will he attempt to make arrangements whereby pilots of the Fleet Air Arm can fly from the decks of French aircraft carriers after HMS "Ark Royal" has been phased out? Does he not agree that it is essential that these skills be retained by the country as a matter of national importance?

Mr. Mason

I thought that we had assured the House that that was being done. As the through-deck cruiser programme is intact and the maritime Harrier has been ordered, those skills to which the hon. Gentleman has referred will be maintained.

Mr. Townsend

Is the Secretary of State confident that the programming of British and French Polaris submarines is suitably co-ordinated?

Mr. Mason

No, Sir. No nuclear exchanges were discussed with the French.