HC Deb 23 July 2002 vol 389 cc903-4W
Mr. Keetch

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which elements of(a) watchkeeper and (b) the Future Offensive Air Strategy the Government intend to procure through the European technology acquisition programme. [70628]

Dr. Moonie

[holding answer 17 July 2002]: The European technology acquisition programme (ETAP) is a collaborative technology development programme related to combat air systems. Its aim is to sustain and develop generic European capabilities over the next two decades. Although United Kingdom decisions on which technologies to pursue under ETAP will take account of our Future Offensive Air System project, it is not aimed at a specific equipment, nor is it intended as a means of procuring equipment.

Mr. Keetch

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 4 December 2001,Official Report, column 221W, on ETAP, when he expects the ETAP joint study assessing the military capabilities the six nations' armed forces will need around 2020 to report. [70668]

Dr. Moonie

[holding answer 17 July 2002]: The study report was produced on time and presented to the European technology acquisition programme (ETAP) steering committee on 3 July 2002. The report will provide a focus for future ETAP research and technology programmes.

Mr. Keetch

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the criteria to be used in deciding which British procurement decisions to pursue through the European technology acquisition programme. [70629]

Dr. Moonie

[holding answer 17 July 2002]: The European technology acquisition programme (ETAP) is about collaborative technology development related to combat air systems rather than procurement of specific equipments. United Kingdom decisions on technology development within ETAP will reflect the key capabilities required of the UK's future offensive air system. If one or more of our ETAP partners identify the same technology area as a priority, we will jointly decide whether a collaborative ETAP technology demonstration programme with European industry represents best value for money.