§ 71. Mr. Croninasked the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of agreed offset purchases by the German Federal Republic has been completed to the latest convenient recent date.
§ Mr. HealeyI assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the defence purchases element in the present offset agreement. A percentage figure at this stage in a two-year agreement would not be of significance.
§ 72. Mr. Croninasked the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements have been made by the German Federal Republic to establish credits in London for the purchase of British defence equipment to cover the cost of the British brigade which is replacing the Canadian brigade which will be withdrawn from Europe.
§ Mr. HealeyI explained the additional offset arrangements which the German Government have agreed to meet the exchange costs of keeping 6 Brigade in Germany during the defence debate on 4th March. Whilst no specific credits have been established, it is the practice of the German Federal Republic to make advance payments on their orders for military equipment.—[Vol. 797, c. 431.]