§ Mr. Murtonasked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement about increased British participation in the European Defence Improvement Programme announced by the Ministers of the Euro-Group on 1st December. 1970.
§ Lord BalnielAs the Ambassadors of the Euro-Group countries in Brussels were informed this morning, the British Government have decided, following discussions between the British Government and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, to make a contribution to the special infrastructure scheme which is part of the agreed European Defence Improvement Programme. The aim of this Programme is to increase Europe's military capability. 505W The infrastructure scheme will help to achieve this aim by accelerating the N.A.T.O. Integrated Communications System and also the programme for protecting aircraft on the ground. It is based on a collective financial contribution of about £175 million over the next five years. The British share will be about £32½ million. The British Government's decision has been facilitated by the satisfactory progress in negotiating a new agreement to replace the AngloGerman Offset Agreement due to expire at the end of March, on which a statement will be made to Parliament as soon as possible.