§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what programme of research he has commissioned into mine clearance and detection. [396]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotMy Department has commissioned work by the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, including research into detection using hand-held equipment; location and destruction of mines for route clearance; and the remote detection of minefields. DERA's centre for post-conflict battle area clearance technologies and techniques is primarily concerned with work for military purposes, but also undertakes studies of mine clearance funded by other bodies such as the ODA and the EU.