TNAG-0539-FCO40-634-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 238

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weapon systems. The programme provides the technological base

from which new Service requirements can be studied and met. It

also seeks to resolve technical problems and provides the

expertise to tackle promptly the unforeseen problems which

inevitably arise during the course of development work and

after the introduction of equipment into service.

4.

Of the estimated £86 million for research in

1975-76, £16 million will relate to general or

basic research and £70 million to applied research and explor-

atory development. It is estimated that research work carried

out in defence establishments, but directed to civil objectives,

will result in receipts of £18 million. This reflects reductions

in the civil aerospace work supported by the Department of

Industry.

RATIONALISATION OF R & D ESTABLISHMENT S

5. The first stage of the rationalisation of R & D Establish-

ments, announced in the 1973 Statement on Defence Estimates

(Cmnd. 5231), is being implemented. The rationalisation programme

is based on a structure of four 'Systems' Establishments

concerned with one of the main defence environments

(each

sea, land,

air and underwater) complemented and supported by a number of

'Technology' Establishments.

6. The Systems Establishments help the appropriate Service

or Services to evaluate major weapon systems and equipment, and

are responsible for supporting their development and introduction

into Service use. The co-ordination of the development of the

sub-systems of a proposed new weapon or equipment is highly

VII-2

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