HC Deb 21 July 1981 vol 9 cc152-3
7. Sir Anthony Meyer

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will hold discussions with his French colleague on possible methods of ensuring closer integration of the French defence effort with a European tier of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

Mr. Nott

Such meetings are held from time to time to discuss a wide range of issues concerning Alliance security. I should welcome the opportunity of a discussion with M. Hernu as soon as a meeting can be arranged.

Sir Anthony Meyer

In view of the evident awareness of the new French Government of the need for armed preparedness, will my right hon. Friend take every, opportunity to explore closer co-operation? Does not the determination of President Mitterrand to ensure that effective nuclear deterrence is maintained in Western Europe contrast glaringly with the readiness of the Opposition and their Leader to hand this country and its freedoms over to the first dictator who cares to mount a takeover?

Mr. Nott

As I said, I welcome an opportunity of meeting my French opposite number. I agree with my hon. Friend that many of the statements made on security matters by the new French Government are extremely welcome and encouraging to the British people, with the exception of very few who are in a minority in taking a rather different view.

Dr. David Clark

When the Minister meets his French counterpart, what will be his position on the excellent French proposals made at the Madrid conference for confidence-building and verification measures?

Mr. Nott

As the hon. Gentleman knows, we have supported the French proposals for this conference and will continue to do so.

Mr. Buck

Whilst welcoming the fact that my right hon. Friend hopes to see his French opposite number before long, may I ask him to confirm meanwhile that on an inter-Service basis there is still enormous co-operation between us and the French, that there are more trips by Atlantique aircraft out of St. Mawgan than there are by Nimrods, and that the French forces are practically regarded as the masse de manoeuvre for NATO, of which, of course, France is still a member, although, regrettably, not part of the integrated structure?

Mr. Nott

As my hon. and learned Friend says, France is a totally loyal and wholly committed member of the Atlantic Alliance. It is not a member of the integrated military structure, but it works extremely closely with all NATO countries, and the links that we have with the French military forces at Service level are extremely close.