§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received on the exploratory talks on insensitive munitions. [104108]
§ Mr. KilfoyleThis is a matter for the Chief executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from John Howe to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 12 January 2000:
I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about representations received on the exploratory talks on insensitive munitions. This matter falls to me to answer within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.It is not clear from the question which exploratory talks you have in mind, but if there are any further details you can let me have I will of course be happy to give a full reply. However, I can assure you that it is Ministry of Defence policy to ensure that munitions comply with NATO safety standards. One of these standards is that munitions shall be as insensitive as is practicable but still operate as intended.