§ 13. Mr. McWilliamasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied with the balance of advantage to the United Kingdom of the effects of the memorandum of understanding between the United Kingdom and the Federal Republic of Germany and Italy on defence procurement.
§ Mr. ButlerI assume that the hon. Gentleman has in mind the memorandum of understanding relating to the FH 70 and Tornado programmes. The answer is yes.
§ Mr. McWilliamI am grateful to the Minister for that answer, but how can he be so complacent as to be satisfied with collaboration with companies such as Rheinmetall, when that company is now in court for supplying arms to Argentina via Spain—arms that were used against our men — and when that company is putting people in Britain out of work?
§ Mr. ButlerThe memoranda of understanding and present circumstances show that for different reasons the 904 balance of advantage lies with the United Kingdom in respect of both the FH 70 and Tornado programmes at the moment.