§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) technology transfer contracts from his Department to Scottish companies and (b) technology transfer contracts per Scottish company, including the values, there were in each year since 1999; and if he will make a statement. [138572]
§ Mr. CaplinI assume the hon. Member refers to my reply to him of 4 November 2003,Official Report, column 613W concerning Defence Diversification Agency (DDA) operations in Scotland. Contracts are only one measure of technology transfer. The DDA, which acts as a broker, assists companies in various ways including putting them in touch with defence scientists and programme managers. Contracts between the two parties may result and the DDA is currently aware of 16 technology transfer contracts with organisations based in Scotland since 1999. Individual details and financial value of these contracts are subject to confidentiality agreements and are withheld under Exemption 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.