§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is his policy concerning study contracts offered by his Department for risk-reduction work in defence contracts;
(2) when his Department first introduced the policy of study contracts for risk-reduction work in defence contracts; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanMy Department's phased approach to procurement projects has been applied since the 1960s and aims at the progressive reduction of risk. This includes the use of risk reduction study contracts where judged necessary. Risk management has been reinforced by the introduction of an initiative in the late 1980s which ensures that the MOD applies explicit risk management techniques to all equipment projects.