HC Deb 09 December 1959 vol 615 cc49-50W
89. Mr. Warbey

asked the Minister of Defence if he will make a statement on his discussions with the West German Minister of Defence.

Mr. Watkinson

I visited Bonn on 2nd and 3rd December, on the invitation of Herr Strauss, the Defence Minister of the Federal Republic, and discussed with him defence problems of common interest. In particular, we reviewed the progress of co-operation between the United Kingdom and the Federal Republic in Defence research, development and production in accordance with Her Majesty's Government's policy of making the most efficient and economic use of the resources of all the members of the N.A.T.O. alliance. We agreed that the strengthening of the N.A.T.O. alliance was of prime importance to both countries.

Among the detailed subjects discussed were the possibility of a European tank concept, the standardisation of tank armament, and co-operation on future anti-tank weapons and in devising a system of defence against low flying aircraft. We agreed to recommend to the appropriate international authorities the adoption of agreed military characteristics for a new surface-to-surface guided missile for the support of armies in the field and to co-operate in the development of a new weapon with these characteristics if N.A.T.O. accepted them.

90. Mr. Warbey

asked the Minister of Defence what proposals have been made to him by the West German Minister of Defence for the further amendment of the Brussels Treaty to permit the German Federal Republic to construct larger warships and submarines.

Mr. Watkinson

None.

92. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Defence to what extent he dis- cussed with the West German Defence Minister in his recent talks the supply to West Germany of weapons of nuclear capability.

Mr. Watkinson

I discussed with Herr Strauss the possibility of Anglo-German co-operation in the development and production of a new surface-to-surface missile for the support of armies in the field if such a weapon was acceptable to the appropriate interested authorities. This missile would be equipped with a nuclear warhead.

Any nuclear warheads required for missiles in Service with the West German forces would be held in the N.A.T.O. atomic stockpile under the control of SACEUR.