HC Deb 29 June 1999 vol 334 cc125-6W
Mr. Hesford

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the work to date of the Defence Diversification Agency. [88666]

Mr. Spellar

Following the publication of the White Paper, "Getting the Most out of Defence Technology" (Cmd 4088) in November last year, the Defence Diversification Agency (DDA) started work in January. The DDA, which is part of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, is working closely with other central and local government initiatives to improve access to defence-related technology and knowledge. The aim in particular is to provide means of access for small and medium-sized companies in the civil manufacturing sector. I opened the first Regional Office, manned by a Technical Diversification Manager, in Farnborough, at the beginning of April. A second is now open in Rosyth, and we expect two more to open in Malvern and Haslar, Gosport by the end of July. The DDA has already handled over 50 inquiries, from which nine projects have so far been developed. Discussions are underway with the aim of establishing other regional offices in the North West, Northern Ireland, South West, Wales and the North

None of the changes has resulted in personnel being discharged. Changes to the structure of the Royal Irish Regiment Home Service are based on operational and practical consideration in order that soldiers can be deployed to best meet their operational commitments in support of the Royal Ulster Constabulary.

Mr. Donaldson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many(a) part-time and (b) full-time soldiers there were in each battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment in each year since the regiment was formed; [87887]

(2) how many (a) part-time and (b) full-time soldiers there are currently in each battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment. [87888]

Mr. Doug Henderson

[holding answer 22 June 1999]: The information requested is set out in the table.

East. The DDA has also established Science Parks at Farnborough, Malvern, Porton Down and Gosport, which already have more than fifteen tenants.