asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the framework agreement between France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom concerning measures to facilitate the restructuring and operation of the European defence industry, signed at the Farnborough Air Show on 27 July 2000, has been incorporated into British law; and, if so, how it has been incorporated. [HL811]
The letter of intent framework agreement has not been incorporated into United Kingdom law. Existing legislation was and remains sufficient to implement the provisions of the treaty.
asked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the reply by Baroness Royall of Blaisdon on 11 December (HL Deb, col. 1362), how they reconcile her remarks with Article 1(h) of the framework agreement between France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom concerning measures to facilitate the restructuring and operation of the European defence industry which states that one of the objectives of the Agreement is “to promote harmonisation of the military requirements of the Armed Forces”; and whether, in view of this framework agreement, they will correct the remarks of Baroness Royall of Blaisdon; and [HL812]
Further to the reply by Baroness Royall of Blaisdon on 11 December (HL Deb, col. 1362), how they reconcile her remarks with Article 4 of the framework agreement between France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom concerning measures to facilitate the restructuring and operation of the European defence industry which states that, “the parties recognise that the likely consequences of industrial restructuring will be the creation of TDCs (Trans-National Defence Companies), possible abandonment of national industrial capacity and thus the acceptance of mutual dependence”; and whether, in view of this framework agreement, they will correct the remarks of Baroness Royall of Blaisdon; and [HL813]
Further to the reply by Baroness Royall of Blaisdon on 11 December (HL Deb, col. 1362), how they reconcile her remarks with Article 46 of the framework agreement between France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom concerning measures to facilitate the restructuring and operation of the European defence industry which states that, “The Parties recognise the need to co-operate in establishing a long term master-plan that would present a common view of their future operation needs. This would constitute a framework for harmonised equipment acquisition planning and would provide orientation for a harmonised defence related Research and Technology policy”. [HL814]
The reply of my noble friend Lady Royall on 11 December is an accurate reflection of government policy. The aim of the letter of intent framework agreement is to improve the competitiveness and the capabilities of the defence industries of the signatory nations. There is nothing in the agreement which affects the UK's sovereign control of our Armed Forces or requires the loss of essential national industrial or technological capabilities.
asked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the reply by Baroness Royall of Blaisdon on 11 December (HL Deb, col. 1362), whether any other European Union member states have signed the framework agreement between France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom concerning measures to facilitate the restructuring and operation of the European defence industry since it was first signed. [HL815]