§ 91. Mr. Simon CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will outline the main recent achievements of his Department in furthering European defence procurement.
§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will outline the main recent achievements of his Department in furthering European defence procurement.
§ Mr. JackTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will outline the main recent achievements of his Department in furthering European defence procurement.
§ Mr. SainsburyThere have been a number of recent achievements to add to our successful history of equipment collaboration with our European partners. For example, in the last six months memoranda of understanding (MoUs) have been signed for the development phase of the European fighter aircraft (EFA) and the third generation of anti-tank weapon (TRIGAT).
A further valuable recent achievement has been the Anglo-French reciprocal purchasing initiative, launched in 669W 1987 with the aim of encouraging cross-channel competitive bidding so as to create a more open market in defence equipment between Britain and France. These various measures, and plans to implement greater coherence and co-ordination of research spending, should result in greater value for money in procurement and a stronger European contribution to NATO defence. As holders of the IEPG chair for the next two years, the United Kingdom will be concerned to press ahead with the action plan already agreed in pursuit of these objectives.