Written question asked by Angus Robertson (Scottish National Party) on Friday, 31 October 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 November 2003. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Monday, 10 November 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what programmes his Department is (a) running and (b) supporting aimed at (i) introducing the humanitarian community to the military and security technology available and (ii) familiarising the technology community with the scope and problems of those dealing with complex humanitarian emergencies and international refugee crises; how long these programmes have been running; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what programmes his Department is (a) running and (b) supporting aimed at (i) introducing the humanitarian community to the military and security technology available and (ii) familiarising the technology community with the scope and problems of those dealing with complex humanitarian emergencies and international refugee crises; how long these programmes have been running; and if he will make a statement. [136665] Mr. Ingram: The Ministry of Defence research and technology programme is geared towards providing the UK armed forces with battle-winning technology. A number of technologies developed under the auspices of this programme may have humanitarian applications, though the development of the technology for humanitarian purposes would fall to the Department for International Development (DfID). Where possible the MOD aims to make the results of its research available to industry, through technology transfer and technology spin-out, where commercial development of the technology is best carried out.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 136665; 413 c51W;413 c50-1W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Cooperation Humanitarian aid Ministry of Defence Voluntary organisations Technology
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk