HC Deb 23 October 2000 vol 355 c33W
Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has to procure software programmable radios. [132179]

Dr. Moonie

This 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 Robert Walmsley to Mr. Robert Key, dated 23 October 2000: I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the procurement of software programmable radios. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. There are currently no plans to procure software programmable radios. Such technology is promising, but is not considered ready for implementation in UK programmes. In view of its potential, however, the MOD is investing in the underlying technology, through its Applied Research Programme.