Goalkeeper Close-in Weapon Systems

HC Deb 21 February 1986 vol 92 cc376-7W

Sir Antony Buck

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make an announcement on the procurement by the United Kingdom of further Goalkeeper close-in weapon systems for fitment to Royal Navy ships.

Mr. Norman Lamont

The Government have recently commenced negotiations with the Dutch company Hollandse Signaal Apparaaten towards the possible purchase of a further nine Goalkeeper close-in weapon systems plus associated equipment. The United Kingdom already has six systems on order.

This additional procurement would form the United Kingdom part of a second Anglo-Netherlands reciprocal purchase package agreement which is currently approaching finalisation. The Netherlands' element of the package comprises purchases from the United Kingdom of satellite communications equipment, submarine towed arrays and military simulation equipment. The agreement will be a most worthwhile extension of the first Anglo-Netherlands reciprocal arrangement concluded in April 1984, covering the United Kingdom's first purchase of Goalkeeper and the Netherlands' purchase of 16 Rolls-Royce Spey engines for their M class frigates.