§ Mr. CongdonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made on the quadrilateral armaments structure with France, Germany and Italy; and if he will make a statement. [3975]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotI am pleased to announce that today the UK signed a memorandum of understanding for the establishment of a quadrilateral armaments agency with France, Germany and Italy. The UK is now fully involved on an equal basis in the agency's formation, operation and subsequent development. This important initiative will lead to a more efficient and effective approach to the management of collaborative defence programmes.