HC Deb 13 March 1996 vol 273 cc648-9W
Mr. Mans

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions have been held between Ministers in his Department and their French and German counterparts; and if he will make a statement. [21081]

Mr. Arbuthnot

I met State Secretary Simon and Délégue Général pour l'Armement Conze on Monday 11 March. I told them that the Government have decided that, subject to amendment of the tender documents to reflect UK requirements, we will join the current competition which is planned to lead to a collaborative programme for an armoured utility vehicle. This decision was welcomed by France and Germany, who have agreed that the industries of all three nations should take part in the project on an equal basis.

I also confirmed that the UK wished to join the armaments agency, which France and Germany announced last year that they would be establishing. We agreed that, once work has been completed on amendments to the tender documents for the armoured utility vehicle, the UK will participate with France and Germany in their current work on the setting up of this agency.

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