§ Ann ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the 2001 budget and staffing levels for the ballistic missile defence component of the Technology, Readiness and Risk Assessment programme. [126951]
§ Mr. HoonThe Technology Readiness and Risk Assessment Programme is a three-year programme begun in July 1998. £12.5 million has been allocated for the overall programme, the work for which is being shared between the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) and four UK defence contractors. The wide-ranging and consultative nature of the programme means that it is not possible to provide precise details of staffing levels, but the core team comprises 25–30 staff.