Written question asked by Gerald Howarth (Conservative) on Tuesday, 23 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 December 2004. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Monday, 13 December 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, by how long the assessment phase for the Future Rapid Effects System programme has been extended; and why the funding for the assessment and development phase of this programme has been increased over that provided for in the original plans.

Answer: Mr. Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence by how long the assessment phase for the Future Rapid Effects System programme has been extended; and why the funding for the assessment and development phase of this programme has been increased over that provided for in the original plans. [199838] Mr. Ingram: The initial Assessment Phase for the Future Rapid Effects System (FRES) programme was formally approved in May 2004 and the cost and time envelopes of this approval have not changed. Outputs from the work undertaken during this phase of the programme will be used to inform decisions that will influence the cost and duration of future phases. A contract, scheduled to last two years, was placed with Atkins on 12 November 2004 for the Systems House role. Atkins will undertake a number of activities as part of the initial Assessment Phase, under the strategic direction of the Ministry of Defence, to inform future investment decisions.

Secondary information