§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what professional, security, copyright and financial terms staff of the Defence Research Agency may participate in the Link programmes or research programmes funded by the European Community.
§ Mr. AitkenThis is a matter for the Defence Research Agency under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive to reply directly to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what encouragement there is in the framework document or in other formal guidance to encourage personnel and technology transfer between the Defence Research Agency and civil research and development.
§ Mr. AitkenAs the Ministry of Defence's principal source of scientific and technical advice, the Defence Research Agency attaches high priority to co-operation with industry in meeting MOD's requirements. Within the context that MOD is its major customer, it can pursue profitable commercial outlets for its services and arrange personnel exchanges with other organisations.