§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his Department's policy concerning the Franco-German bilateral armaments agency; what consideration he has given to British membership of this body; what discussions he has had with his German and French counterparts to discuss British participation; and if he will make a statement. [21888]
§ Mr. FreemanThe United Kingdom has expressed the wish to be involved from the outset in discussions on the structure and operating principles for the planned armaments co-operation structure. I have discussed with my French and German counterparts the UK's interest in participation and consideration is presently being given to the practicalities involved. We will be discussing the issues further with French and German colleagues at official level.