Defence Equipment (European Co-operation)

HC Deb 23 March 1982 vol 20 cc786-7

6. Sir Anthony Meyer

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will consider the implications of the speech made in London on 9 February by the French Minister of Defence, M. Georges Lemoine; and if he will take action in consequence to promote European co-operation in the production of defence equipment, particularly aeronautical equipment.

Mr. Pattie

We have a long and successful record of promoting European co-operation in the production of defence equipment—Jaguar and Tornado are two important examples—and we shall continue to look for new collaborative opportunities. I therefore found M. Lemoine's speech of interest.

Sir Anthony Meyer

Does my hon. Friend accept that his verdict is not the generally accepted verdict, which is that there is scope for much more joint production of European weapons to provide jobs throughout European defence industries? Will my hon. Friend build on the French Government's declared increased readiness to cooperate much more in order to establish more joint production?

Mr. Pattie

I agree that there are opportunities, but there are also difficult political questions that must be resolved. The French Government would accept that they would be among the first to raise those questions if rationalisation were called for.

Mr. Hooley

Will the Under-Secretary confirm that defence procurement has nothing to do with the Treaty of Rome, and that our membership of the Common Market has no implications for our defence position?

Mr. Pattie

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Robert Atkins

Does my hon. Friend agree that, in view of the offer made by French aviation interests to German aviation interests that there should be cooperation on the production of an aeroplane similar to the P110, the need for co-operation by the Ministry of Defence with the Germans, to the detriment of the French, should be a matter of some urgency?

Mr. Pattie

As my hon. Friend knows from our frequent exchanges on the subject, we are in close contact with the German Ministry of Defence, and indeed the French Ministry of Defence, on the matter, and those consultations will continue.