§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress on the Future Integrated Soldier Technology programme. [78979]
§ Dr. MoonieThe final stage of a competition to choose a Prime Contractor for the Assessment Phase of the Future Integrated Soldier Technology programme is currently underway, involving BAE SYSTEMS Ltd and Thales Optronics Ltd. Selection of a single Prime Contractor is planned for early 2003.