§ Mr. MaplesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what meetings he or his ministers or officials had arranged, prior to 17 October, with representatives of the Chilean Navy; when such meetings were due to have taken place and where; and if the possible purchase by the Chilean Navy of British destroyers or frigates was to be discussed. [57523]
§ Mr. George Robertson[holding answer 2 November 1998]: Before 17 October, many regular and routine meetings took place between UK and Chilean officials on a range of defence matters both in the UK and Chile.
Representatives of the Chilean Navy were scheduled to meet my officials for exploratory discussions relating to their frigate replacement programme during a planned visit to the UK at the beginning of November. This will now not take place as originally planned.
§ Mr. MaplesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what meetings he or his ministers or officials have had with representatives of the Government of Chile since 1 May 1997; what was discussed at each such meeting; who was present; and what agreements were reached. [57524]
§ Mr. George Robertson[holding answer 2 November 1998]: I, my Ministerial colleagues, the Chiefs of Staff and my senior officials have met Chilean Defence Ministers and Commanders in Chief on 21 occasions in the UK, Chile and elsewhere since 1 May 1997.
Discussions covered a wide range of matters of mutual defence interest, including defence exports. No formal agreements were concluded, although the two sets of annual defence cooperation talks established proposals for military assistance and defence cooperation over the forthcoming year. In addition, regular routine meetings have taken place between UK and Chilean officials on a range of defence matters.