Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 5 October 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 October 2001. It was answered by Lord Moonie (Labour) on Monday, 15 October 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much QinetiQ's new medium wave infra-red telescope cost to produce; and if he will make a statement. - Includes fact that withholding information requested under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information relating to defence, security and international relations.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much QinetiQ's new medium wave infra-red telescope cost to produce; and if he will make a statement. [7322] Dr. Moonie: The medium-wave infra-red telescope is part of a Ministry of Defence research programme begun in the early 1990s designed to understand the phenomenology of aircraft infra-red signatures and investigate detector technologies. The telescope is owned by the MOD and operated by QinetiQ. It is not our practice to release costs of individual research programmes as this may allow a detailed picture to be built up of the UK's defence research priorities and future defence capabilities. I am accordingly withholding the information requested under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information relating to defence, security and international relations.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 7322; 372 c951W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Costs Defence equipment Procurement Technology Research QinetiQ Optical equipment
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk