§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which UK companies produce(a) unmanned air vehicles and (b) components for unmanned air vehicles; and if she will make a statement. [136933]
§ Jacqui SmithThere are a wide number companies engaged in the development, production and support of un-manned air vehicles (UAVs) and their components in the UK. This Department does not however maintain an exhaustive listing of such companies. Such data is readily available through commercial sources.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had in 2003 with UK companies interested in participating in future 33W bidding processes for US requirement contracts for unmanned air vehicle projects; and if she will make a statement. [136934]
§ Jacqui SmithI have had no specific discussions with UK companies in relation to the bidding process for the US requirement contracts for unmanned air vehicles (UAVs). UK Trade and Investment did however support, through the outward missions scheme, in May of this year a Society of British Aerospace Companies (SB AC) industry mission to the US and this included UAV technology within its remit. The lead on UK defence export activities is the responsibility of MoD's Defence Export Services Organisation (DESO).