HC Deb 10 November 1999 vol 337 c549W
Mr. Drew

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received on the Defence Evaluation Research Agency public-private partnership. [97237]

Mr. Hoon

[holding answer 5 November 1999]: A number of organisations and individuals, including representatives from academia, industry, local government, trade unions, DERA staff, and our international collaborative partners, have responded to the consultation document on the DERA public-private partnership (PPP) published by the Ministry of Defence in May. In addition, there have been a number of formal and informal representations.

As I announced on 26 October 1999, Official Report, column 768, work is continuing on a PPP solution for DERA and key stakeholders will continue to be consulted as this work is taken forward.

Mr. Drew

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what developments there have been in the joint MOD-industry sub-group investigating the Defence Evaluation Research Agency public-private partnership. [97236]

Mr. Hoon

[holding answer 5 November 1999]: The National Defence Industries Council sub-group on the DERA public-private partnership was formed to provide a mechanism to enable the Ministry of Defence and industry to understand each other's positions on key issues. Both sides have agreed that the sub-group achieved its remit in the two meetings that were held in July. Further meetings will be arranged if issues arise in the continuing work which warrant specific senior level discussion or resolution. Consultation with industry and others is continuing as we take forward work on the DERA PPP.