asked the Minister for Defence, in writing, on 23 March 2011:

(1) How many think tanks or policy institutes are funded by the Minister's department, and: (a) what are (i) their names; and (ii) key areas of research. (b) in what office/agency within the department do they fall.

(2) What sum of funding was provided to each of the think tanks or policy institutes in part (1) in:

(a) 2007-08;

(b) 2008-09;

(c) 2009-10; and

(d) 2010-11.

(3) For each think tank or policy institute in part (1), on what date:

(a) was an announcement made that it would be formed; and

(b) did it commence operating.

The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

(1) (a) (i) and (ii) and (b)

Think tank institutes funded in part or wholly:

(2) (a) to (d)

Funding provided by financial year to each Think Tank institute:

(3) (a) and (b)

Announcement and commencement dates of Think Tank institutions: