§ Mr. ButlerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the memorandum of understanding recently signed with the United States of America.
§ Mr. FreemanThe United Kingdom Secretary of State for Defence and the US Secretary for Defense have signed a memorandum of understanding relating to the principles governing co-operation in research and development, production, procurement, and logistic support of defence equipment. A United State/United Kingdom defence co-operation MOU was first signed in 1975, renewed in 1985, and has now been renewed for a further 10 year period. The aim of the MOU is to promote the widest possible use of standard or interoperable equipment in the interests of national security and to make the most cost-effective and rational use of the respective industrial, economic and technological resources in both countries. The MOU has been of significant benefit to both countries, creating a "two-way street" which has resulted in a severalfold increase in bilateral defence equipment trade since the mid-1970s.