§ 92. Mr. Ian TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress is being made through the Independent European Programme Group in achieving a more open defence market among North Atlantic Treaty Organisation allies.
§ Mr. SainsburySignificant progress is being made by the Independent European Programme Group towards the creation of an open European defence equipment market, based on measures set out in the action plan approved by Ministers at the Luxembourg meeting in November 1988. At their subsequent meeting in Lisbon on 28 June this year, Ministers reviewed the steps being taken to achieve the key objectives. The central feature of the open market is the dissemination to potential suppliers of information about bidding opportunities. To this end, Governments have now nominated one or more focal points to which companies in other Independent European Programme Group countries can register interest in bidding for defence contracts. Countries have also agreed to publish contracts bulletins by the turn of the year. The bulletins will be similar to those already issued by the United Kingdom and France. This more open market will bring benefits to all participating states. It will also be of considerable value to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation as a whole by enhancing efficient procurement and thereby strengthening the European contribution to the Alliance. With this in mind the Independent European Programme Group will continue to discourage any protectionist tendencies on either side of the Atlantic. Another important initiative which complements the open market is the creation of a European technology plan—to be known as Euclid—which will foster co-operation in research among Independent European Programme Group nations. During its current chairmanship of the Independent European Programme Group, the United Kingdom's aim will be to ensure that the work of the group is taken forward effectively in the best interests of all the allies.