§ Ms Rachel SquireTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to develop a national strategy for defence technology. [23688]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotI have been asked to reply.
In July 1995, my Department announced its intention of establishing a technology strategy for access to, and development of, defence technology. Since that time, there have been discussions with defence industry, academia and other interested parties. It is envisaged that a further round of consultations will be initiated shortly with the object of publication of the technology strategy in the autumn.
§ Mr. SquireTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what increase in funding has been provided for technology demonstrator programmes for defence since the 1995 report from the technology foresight panel. [23695]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotI have been asked to reply.
Since the 1995 technology foresight report from the defence and aerospace panel, the defence budget has increased its funding for technology demonstrator programmes by £12.3 million over the next 10 years.