HC Deb 11 January 1996 vol 269 c312W
Mr. Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy that no French Government officials work at, or use, the facilities at the atomic weapons establishment. [8273]

Mr. Arbuthnot

No. Such a policy would be contrary to the Government's aim of deepening defence nuclear co-operation between the United Kingdom and France.

Mr. Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions there have been with the United States on the extent to which Britain can assist France in its nuclear weapons design, development and production programme. [8275]

Mr. Arbuthnot

We hold regular discussions with both the United States and France on a range of issues related to nuclear weapons.

Mr. Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assistance is(a) being given and (b) planned to be given to the French Government to assist in the construction of PALEN. [8266]

Mr. Arbuthnot

It is not our practice to reveal such details.

Mr. Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what procedures are in place to facilitate Anglo-French nuclear co-operation; [8267]

(2) what assistance is (a) being given or (b) planned to be given to the French Government to assist them in developing the facilities and equipment necessary for computer simulation and above ground experiments in respect of nuclear testing. [8268]

Mr. Arbuthnot

I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to the hon. Member on 16 October 1995,Official Report, column 37.

Mr. Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if any memoranda of understanding have(a) been negotiated and (b) are currently under negotiation or consideration to formalise aspects of Anglo-French nuclear co-operation; [8284]

(2) if he will list all treaties and memoranda of understanding which currently exist between Britain and France with regard to nuclear co-operation. [8272]

Mr. Arbuthnot

I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Truro (Mr. Taylor) on 24 October 1995,Official Report, column 587.

Mr. Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions in the last five years French Government officials have visited a Untied Kingdom atomic weapons establishment. [8274]

Mr. Arbuthnot

I have nothing to add to the answers I gave the hon. Member on 16 October 1995Official Report, column 37, and to the hon. Member for Stretford (Mr. Lloyd) on 31 October 1995, Official Report, columns, 155–56.