§ Mr. Keith SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the budget for defence diplomacy for 1999–2000. [74655]
§ Mr. George RobertsonThe budget for centrally funded Defence Diplomacy activities for 1999–2000 will be found from within the Defence Military Assistance Fund (DMAF). The planned DMAF budget for the next financial year will be around £16 million. This represents an increase of some £5 million over 1998–99. The enhancement is specifically intended to fund additional Defence Diplomacy initiatives.
871WNo decision has yet been taken on the final allocation of the DMAF for 1999–2000, but the majority will be utilised to fund Defence Diplomacy-related activities. The remainder will subsidise military assistance under the Support to Wider British Interests Mission.
Top Level Budget Holders also fund activities undertaken as part of the Defence Diplomacy Mission. Figures for these activities are not identified separately.
§ Mr. Keith SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence by what means his Department assesses the impact of defence diplomacy. [74654]
§ Mr. George RobertsonWe are developing a range of Defence Diplomacy objectives that will be embedded in the Department's planning process. Performance against those objectives will be assessed for each of the management areas concerned. In addition, a Committee chaired by the Deputy Policy Director has been created to oversee the implementation of Defence Diplomacy activities.