Oral Answers to Questions

Chris Stephens Excerpts

Monday 9th July 2018 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Williamson]

Yes, the hon. Gentleman can have that assurance.

[Chris Stephens (Glasgow South West) (SNP)]

3. What recent progress he has made on procuring fleet support ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary; and if he will make a statement.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Guto Bebb)]

Since entering a four-year assessment phase in April 2016, the project has held three industry days. We have also undertaken a period of market engagement with UK and international shipbuilders. We formally launched the international competition on 5 June. Subject to normal approvals, our current intent is to award the contract in 2020.

[Chris Stephens]

Will the Minister finally give us a reason why the ships are being put out to international competition? Would it not be better if UK shipyards were block building the ships?

[Guto Bebb]

I am surprised by the hon. Gentleman’s question. I have explained several times at the Dispatch Box that we have adopted the shipbuilding strategy in full. The strategy is clear about defining warships as a capability that will be built in the UK and non-warships as a capability that will be subject to international competition.