§ Mr. Kershawasked the Secretary of State for Defence what study he has made of the speech of Monseiur Davignon of 13th June 1978 about the qualifications of the European Economic Commission to study armament matters; what consultations he has had with the Commission on this subject; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Dr. GilbertMr. Davignon's speech is being studied by the Ministry of Defence. The Government regard armaments procurement as an essential part of defence policy and consider that the Independent European Programme Group is the main European forum for discussion of co-operation in defence equipment matters.