Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Ben Wallace and Afzal Khan

Monday 30th January 2023 Commons Chamber

[Afzal Khan (Manchester, Gorton) (Lab)]

T4. Labour’s dossier on waste in the MOD found that at least £15 billion of taxpayers’ money has been wasted since 2010. Can the Secretary of State explain why the Government are failing to get a grip on the defence procurement process and secure value for money for the taxpayer?

[Mr Wallace]

It is a really wonderful dossier, as far as dodgy ones go, because half the waste in it was under a Labour Government.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Ben Wallace and Afzal Khan

Monday 21st September 2020 Commons Chamber

[Afzal Khan (Manchester, Gorton) (Lab) [V]]

  The GMB union estimates that by placing the Fleet Solid Support order with UK shipyards, the Treasury could see up to £285 million of the £800 million contract returned in taxes. The award of the contract could have long-term benefits for the shipbuilding sector and the wider economy, giving companies the confidence to train new apprentices and plan for the future. Will the Government support GMB’s call for the FSS order to be placed in UK shipyards?

[Mr Wallace]

We have already started a market engagement exercise and have had a healthy response. I intend to announce the procurement timetable for the warships in due course, after market testing has completed. We intend to encourage international partners to work alongside UK firms for the bid, which will build on the success of Type 31.