HC Deb 13 November 1996 vol 285 c220W
Mr. Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions were held on co-ordinating the patrols of Trident and the French Triomphant submarines at the Anglo-French summit in Bordeaux. [3616]

Mr. Soames

No such discussions were held.

Mr. Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the number of occasions in the last four years that members of the French armed forces have visited the United Kingdom to discuss the furtherance of nuclear co-operation. [3604]

Mr. Soames

Members of the French armed forces regularly visit the United Kingdom to discuss matters related to defence nuclear co-operation.

Mr. Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list the number of occasions in the last four years that representatives or contractors of the Delegation Generale pour l'Armement, and the Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique have visited the atomic weapons establishments at Aldermaston, Burghfield, Cardiff and Foulness; [3606]

(2) if he will list the number of occasions in the last four years that representatives or contractors of the Delegation Generale pour l'Armement, and the Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique have visited the United Kingdom to discuss the furtherance of nuclear co-operation. [3605]

Mr. Soames

There have been 28 visits by representatives or contractors of the DGA and CEA to UK atomic weapon establishments in the period. There have also been four visits by French officials to the UK for discussions on nuclear technical and scientific matters.