HL Deb 11 February 1988 vol 493 cc314-5

3.19 p.m.

Lord Rodney

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

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the current state of Anglo-French talks on defence procurement co-operation.

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Defence has recently agreed with France to develop opportunities for industries in both countries to supply equipment competitively to both our Ministries of Defence, thus effectively building upon current collaboration.

Lord Rodney

My Lords, I should like to thank the Minister for that reassuring Answer. Can he reassure the House that no possible pressure from the United States might embarrass and possibly curtail this very welcome agreement between this country and France?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, this has nothing to do with the United States. It is an informal arrangement and the British and French Governments have agreed to establish a committee to consider a number of aspects of their defence relationship. There has already been one successful example as a result of that initiative.

Lord Strabolgi

My Lords, may I ask the noble Lord whether the Government have made any progress with the French Government concerning closer co-operation over nuclear defence?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, this particular arrangement is nothing to do with nuclear cooperation. The Anglo-French discussions covered a range of issues concerning this particular matter. There have also been talks covering nuclear technology and nuclear weaponry. The substance of what was discussed is confidential.

Lord Irving of Dartford

My Lords, in view of the Prime Minister's disapproval of the recent bilateral agreement between France and Germany, will the noble Lord say how the Government justify prospective defence collaboration with a non-NATO country and whether our NATO allies have been consulted in this matter?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, the advantage of this sort of agreement is that money can be saved by preventing wasteful parallel developments taking place. As for consultation within NATO, I cannot give an answer to the noble Lord at the moment but I shall find out and advise him.