HC Deb 14 July 1997 vol 298 cc51-2W
18. Mr. Colvin

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated cost of the Strategic Defence Review; and if he will make a statement. [6524]

Mr. George Robertson

We will make maximum use of existing structures to conduct the Strategic Defence Review. Additional costs will be incurred, including in the process of consultation with outside experts and interest groups. It is too early to predict the total additional cost.

23. Mr. David Davis

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether decisions announced at the end of his defence review in respect of(a) Eurofighter aircraft, (b) the Trident submarine programme and (c) Nimrod 2000 will also be subject to the outcome of the Government's fundamental expenditure review. [6529]

Mr. Spellar

There will be one coherent review of defence. The Strategic Defence Review will be the Ministry of Defence's contribution to the Comprehensive Spending Review.

Sir Sydney Chapman

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress with the Strategic Defence Review, with particular reference to his proposals to set up a panel of experts. [6689]

Dr. Reid

Work on the Strategic Defence Review is continuing, taking account of the many outside inputs received. The advisory panel of experts has not yet been formed. We expect to announce the names of members later in the summer.

Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has met trades unions for consultation on the Strategic Defence Review. [6757]

Dr. Reid

Discussions with trades unions on the Strategic Defence Review are being conducted through the usual consultation mechanisms. In addition, representatives of the trades unions attended the two Strategic Defence Review Seminars on 3 and 11 July.