HC Deb 09 March 1995 vol 256 cc348-9W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his Department's policy on the rationalisation of the European defence industry.

Mr. Freeman

In principle, I welcome the closer ties which many United Kingdom defence companies are forging with those in Europe and north America. Industrial rationalisation is a process which is primarily for the companies and the markets, subject of course to regulation by the relevant competition authorities. My Department considers mergers which may be of interest to it on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the possible effects on future competition and any security considerations.