§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list each of the memoranda of understanding which currently exist between Britain and France with regard to all aspects of nuclear weapons, outlining the purpose of each, the date on which each one was signed and whether its text is classified; on what dates each one has been amended; and if any other countries are party to these memoranda. [38455]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotIt is not our practice to reveal details on contacts with France on defence nuclear matters.
§ Mr. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will define the current status of the technical discussions between Britain and France, referred to in594W para. 25 of the Commons report of the Defence Committee, "Progress of the Trident Programme", HC 350, on issues related to nuclear weapons stewardship, hydrodynamic experiments and computer simulations; which Ministers and officials have taken part in these discussions; and what subjects were covered. [38456]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotI have nothing to add to the answer that I gave to the hon. Member for Nottingham, South (Mr. Simpson) on 16 October 1995,Official Report, column 37.