§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will publish the full terms of reference of the defence costs study known as "Front Line First"; and what previous work will be used in the defence costs study.
§ Mr. AitkenThe defence costs study has been established to take a new and radical look at how the Ministry of Defence conducts its business, including procurement practice, headquarters and manpower costs and all aspects of support to the front line. The purpose will be to identify further areas where we can reduce costs, to ensure that the taxpayers' money we spend on defence is concentrated on the operational effectiveness of our front line force, and to enable our armed forces to discharge their military tasks and commitments properly, to the full and with formidable military capability. The study will build on all relevant previous work.