§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what are the considerations which have prompted him to decide that the United Kingdom should participate in the European co-operative long-term initiative for defence;
(2) what benefits will accrue to the United Kingdom from participation in the European co-operative long-term initiative for defence;
(3) what sums of money have been committed to the European co-operative long-term initiative for defence; and what sums are likely to be committed in the next five years.
§ Ms. RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how much money Her Majesty's Government have committed to the European co-operative long-term initiative for defence; and if he will make a statement;
122W(2) when parliamentary approval was given for funding for the European co-operative long-term initiative for defence; under what Vote subhead it appears; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkEUCLID was launched by the Defence Ministers of the Independent European Programme Group in June 1989 to establish a European defence research and technology programme in a number of key areas for the future. Its aim is to improve the value for money from defence research by making more efficient use of the resources available in Europe. This is turn should facilitate co-operation on resulting projects.
No money has yet been committed by any nation to EUCLID. It is expected that the first detailed collaborative programmes will be agreed in the course of this year. The precise extent of United Kingdom funding will then be determined, and will come from moneys voted for by defence research.
I refer to the replies given to the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy (Dr. Thomas) on 24 July 1989 and to the hon. Member for Leyton (Mr. Cohen) on 14 December 1989.