§ Mr. Trippierasked the Secretary of State for Defence what specific proposals have been made or steps taken by him in the last year towards increased weapons interoperability; and what is planned for the next year.
§ Mr. SpeedIt will be clear from the remarks of my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Air Force on 23 March—[Vol. 1, c. 785]—that the achievement of improved interoperability of the weapons systems of the NATO Allies has our full support. This is best achieved by the harmonisation of detailed technical procedures and designs and must be done in co-operation with our Allies. The United Kingdom is fully involved in those programmes affecting our equipment and is active in agreeing priorities for action.