§ Lord Monteagle of Brandonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What progress they have made on the quadrilateral armaments structure with France, Germany and Italy.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Earl Howe)I am pleased to announce that, yesterday, the UK signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of a Quadrilateral Armaments Agency with France, Germany and Italy. The UK are 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, effective approach to the management of collaborative defence programmes.