§ Mr. SoamesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he is making of equipment programmes in relation to their key war fighting capabilities. [147274]
§ Mr. IngramThe Defence White Paper (Cm 6041) noted the need to ensure that defence resources are directed at those capabilities which are most appropriate for future operations. The Department's annual planning round involves a thorough examination of defence costs and capabilities, and includes an assessment of the contribution of equipment programmes in meeting the policy set out in the White Paper.