§ Mr. Gerald HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with European partners on the co-ordination of European research and development in defence industries and the effect of co-ordination on research and development projects involving the United States of America. [130795]
§ Mr. IngramMy right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Defence, has not held any recent discussions on the co-ordination of research and development in defence industries, nor has he any immediate plans to do so. However, officials have regular contact with their European and US counterparts.
The Ministry of Defence collaborates on research with those nations who can significantly contribute to our capability requirements. Our aim is to generate technology that both United Kingdom and partner foreign industries can access. We seek to do this on both transatlantic and European axes.