HL Deb 21 December 1964 vol 262 cc631-3

2.34 p.m.

LORD MERRIVALE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what joint research, development or production projects are now proceeding, under review or discussion, with France in the realms of defence and civil aviation; and in particular to ask what is the present position regarding the joint development of an air-to-ground missile for our TSR 2 and their Mirage bomber.]

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (LORD CHALFONT)

My Lords, a memorandum of understanding for joint Anglo-French development of a tactical air-to-ground missile was signed in September, 1964. Since then, developments has been proceeding in both countries. The French are also participating, with the United Kingdom and Germany, in the joint development of the R.B.162 light-weight lift engine. So far as the Concord is concerned, I would refer the noble Lord to the reply which my noble friend the Minister of Defence for the Royal Air Force gave him on December 3. There are standing arrangements with France, as with several other members of the Alliance, for the discussion of possible co-operation in defence research and development. It would not be appropriate to give details of particular projects under discussion.

LORD MERRIVALE

My Lords, I should like to thank the noble Lord for his reply and, as it is my first opportunity, to congratulate him on the excellent speech he made the other day. I should also like to say how pleased I am to see him in your Lordships' House. May I ask the noble Lord whether it is proposed to extend this co-operation and co-ordination on technical projects with France, because I should imagine that these joint ventures would be advantageous to both countries? Also, it seems strange to me that further details could not be given in reply to the Question I put down on the Order Paper.

LORD CHALFONT

My Lords, the noble Lord will know that discussions of this nature in the defence field are confidential to the Governments concerned and a brief announcement is made when a joint project of any importance is agreed. But I would say that Her Majesty's Government welcome co-operation in this field with France and with all the Allies of Her Majesty's Government.

EARL JELLICOE

My Lords, may I ask the noble Lord whether I heard him aright in supposing that he said that the development and production of the air-to-ground missile is, in fact, proceeding, and whether I should be wrong, therefore, in assuming that this particular project, like a great many others, is under review? Am I right in assuming that it is, in fact, proceeding?

LORD CHALFONT

My Lords, I did not, in fact, say "development and production". Development is proceeding, although contracts for completion have not yet been laid. But it is true to say that development on this particular project is proceeding.