HC Deb 22 January 1998 vol 304 c622W
Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions have been held with the French authorities on joint strategic submarine patrols; and if he will make a statement. [24674]

Mr. George Robertson

Officials have discussed a wide range of subjects with their French counterparts relating to the maintenance of effective deterrence in changing circumstances within the Joint Nuclear Commission. There have been no discussions on the issue of joint UK/French deterrent patrols.