14:32 GMT, December 4, 2008 The British Defence Manufacturers Association (DMA) yesterday held a Council meeting at which the Council members agreed to ballot DMA members, seeking their approval to merge with the Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC).

This follows a similar decision taken by the SBAC Council last week. The way is now open for both organisations to ballot their members in the New Year. Rear Admiral Rees Ward, the DMA’s Director General, said: “This is an important day in the development of the DMA.

The putative Merger will be a merger of equals, based in democratic processes, creating an organisation more able to influence Governments at home and abroad on behalf of its large membership. The new Trade Association will be able to support its members with improved services in a more resilient manner.”