HC Deb 11 February 2000 vol 344 cc347-8W
Mr. Keetch

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people from industry are currently (a) leading and (b) are members of integrated project teams; and if he will make a statement. [109694]

Dr. Moonie

The principle of involving industry within Integrated Project Teams has become a reality. Two candidates from industry successfully competed for and are now leading Integrated Project Teams. Industry membership of IPTs takes a variety of forms depending on individual project circumstances and the stage of each project in the acquisition cycle. Industrial membership is growing as new IPTs are progressively established, and industry is already represented as an integral part of many high profile IPTs. A key feature of the standard IPT transition process is the 'industry day', used to initiate closer participation with industry. The level of industry representation in IPTs will be assessed following completion of the current transition phase.

Mr. Keetch

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many integrated project teams cover single projects; and if he will make a statement. [109695]

Dr. Moonie

Of the 135 Integrated Project Teams, 41 are regarded as managing single projects.

Mr. Keetch

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many integrated teams have been created to date; how many it is intended to create; and if he will make a statement. [109698]

Dr. Moonie

On 14 February 2000, the final 18 Integrated Project Teams will commence their roll out, bringing the total number of IPTs to 135. This constitutes the final phase of the Smart Procurement programme to move to an IPT-based structure. In the future, I anticipate new IPTs will be formed as a result of further restructuring in the Defence Logistics Organisation and through the normal process of project conception.

Mr. Keetch

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many procurement projects are to be covered by integrated teams; and if he will make a statement. [109697]

Dr. Moonie

The intent is that all Defence equipment projects, covering platforms, systems and sub-systems will be managed throughout their lives by Integrated Project Teams. 135 such teams are currently identified to manage a population of over 1,000 individual projects, from those currently in the initial procurement phase, as well as those already in-service.

Mr. Keetch

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many integrated teams cover clusters of more than one project; and if he will make a statement. [109696]

Dr. Moonie

Of the 135 Integrated Project Teams, 94 have responsibilities for more than one project.