Written question asked by Robert Key (Conservative) on Thursday, 3 September 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 20 October 1998. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 October 1998 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, in what areas the British Government is (a) contributing to and (b) participating in the creation of a centre for mine-action technologies at the Defence Research Establishment in Suffield, Canada. - (Holding answer 19 October 1998).

Answer: Mr. Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in what areas the British Government are (a) contributing to and (b) participating in, the creation of a centre for mine action technologies at the Defence Research Establishment in Suffield, Canada; and if he will make a statement. [55468] Mr. Spellar: [holding answer 19 October 1998]: The recently opened Centre for Mine Action Technologies at the Defence Research Establishment in Suffield, Canada, is a national initiative in which the British Government have not been involved. The Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) conducts research into counter mine warfare on behalf of the British Government, and makes publicly available any results relevant to humanitarian de-mining. The Ministry of Defence and the Department for International Development are also actively involved in the international exchange of information and co-operation on mine clearance technologies and will continue to contribute to international work on humanitarian mine clearance.

Secondary information