HC Deb 18 June 1999 vol 333 cc261-2W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the potential cost savings from co-operation between the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency and Government-funded defence research and development organisations based in NATO member states. [86332]

Mr. Spellar

The Defence Evaluation and Research Agency is involved in programmes with agencies of NATO Governments which provide access to complementary research which, if carried out unilaterally, could be unaffordable. These programmes may also provide access to novel technology and techniques, scientific peer review of UK activities, and access to broader technology-based relationships.

International collaboration in defence research brings substantial benefit to MOD financially, technically and operationally.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what brief the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency has been given for joint defence research and development with organisations from other member states of NATO. [86333]

Mr. Spellar

The Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, DERA, is encouraged to seek opportunities for research collaboration with other nations, and for specified activities in support of Memoranda of Understanding between UK Government and other nations.