§ Mr. Temple-MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps are being taken to assist the redeployment in civil research and development of scientists losing their jobs because of closure of defence research establishments.
§ Mr. AitkenThis is a matter delegated to the Defence Research Agency under its framework document. I have therefore asked the chief executive to reply direct to my hon. Friend.
Letter from J. Chisholm to Mr. Peter Temple-Morris dated 12 February 1993:
In today's written answer the Secretary of State for Defence informed you that I would be replying directly to your question regarding the steps being taken to assist the redeployment in civil research and development of scientists losing their jobs because of closure of defence research establishments.While it is true that the DRA's rationalisation programme will result in some 2,000 job losses, we have been able so far to draw our plans to take those wholly in the support areas. Our aim is to retain and develop our front line scientific capability.793WI hope you will find this information useful.