§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those equipments and procedures which the European Programme Group has discussed in its efforts to assist standardisation and interoperability.
598W
§ Dr. GilbertThe European Programme Group has prepared comprehensive equipment replacement schedules and, on the basis of these, is pursuing studies into eleven possible areas for collaboration. These are:
- (i) Short range unguided anti-tank weapon
- (ii) Improved 105 mm tank ammunition
- (iii) Future tactical combat aircraft
- (iv) Military helicopters
- (v) Minehunters
- (vi) Fast patrol boats
- (vii) Torpedoes
- (viii) Future anti-tank guided weapon
- (ix) Very low level manportable surface to air guided weapon
- (x) Anti-tank mines
- (xi) Naval exercise mines
Discussions are also continuing on more general aspects of equipment co-operation.
§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied with the progress of the European Programme Group.
§ Dr. GilbertGiven that it is unrealistic to expect early results, yes.
§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Defence if the European Programme Group has decided to implement a European Defence Procurement Agency; and if, when it is implemented, France will be included.
§ Dr. GilbertThe European Programme Group, of which France is a member, is the main European forum for discussion on equipment matters. It is not a procurement agency, and no proposal to create such an agency has been considered by the group.