HC Deb 15 February 2000 vol 344 c480W
Mr. Gill

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what agreement has been reached with the USA regarding funding for the development of the TRACER/FSCS system. [109858]

Dr. Moonie

The UK and USA have entered into a joint Project Definition phase for TRACER/FSCS under the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding. This commits both nations to an equal share of the cost of this stage of the project. There is no commitment, by either nation, to proceed beyond the Project Definition phase and, therefore, no agreement to fund any further development beyond this stage. The UK contribution to the cost of the collaborative Project Definition contracts for TRACER is some £90 million.

Mr. Gill

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what staff requirement is planned to be met by the development of the TRACER/FSCS system. [109856]

Dr. Moonie

The Tactical Reconnaissance Armoured Combat Equipment Requirement (TRACER) is intended to meet the Army's requirement for a manned reconnaissance vehicle as stated in Staff Requirement (Land) 4061. The requirement forms the UK part of the UK/US collaborative project for a future reconnaissance vehicle, the US part being known as the Future Scout Cavalry System (FSCS).