Asked by: Lord Coaker (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reason HMRC is not enabling the removal by supply ship of scrap metal from Mare harbour in the Falkland Islands; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Stuart Andrew - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) operates a strategic roll-on roll-off (RORO) freight service between the Falkland Islands and the UK, which includes the transport of scrap metal from Mare harbour three or four times a year. The RORO service is also used by the Falkland Islands Government, who have a separate commercial arrangement with the MOD's freight operator. There are currently no restrictions on this RORO transport. Since 2017 there have been 11 sailings containing scrap metal.
All freight shipped from the Falkland Islands, including scrap metal, is imported observing legislated customs formalities. Duties are occasionally applied to the import of scrap metal, for example where the MOD has insufficient evidence to support duty relief for reimported goods. When this occurs, the MOD pays the relevant duties and taxes. Where the scrap metal is not imported by the MOD, the payment of any duties and taxes is the responsibility of the Falkland Islands Government or the consignor.
Asked by: Lord Coaker (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the ability of the new off-shore patrol vessels ships to have a UAV capability; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Stuart Andrew - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
The Batch 2 Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) are versatile ships that will be able to deliver across a broad range of defence tasks, in our home waters and overseas, exploiting flexible manning solutions and innovative technologies. This could also include an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle capability that is already being exploited within the Batch 1 OPV.
Asked by: Lord Coaker (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his Department's policy is on members of the armed forces personnel that have reached retirement age but want to extend their service and are fit and capable enough to do so; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Tobias Ellwood
The Services' engagement structures are designed to balance the demands of military service (including the physical element), with the retention of skills and need to offer the potential for progression throughout a career.
In all cases the Services have the ability to retain those whose skills they particularly wish to retain, including extension on a case-by-case basis beyond the age at which the individual would normally retire.
Asked by: Lord Coaker (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has made an assessment of the market appetite for a competitive procurement process for Project ABEL; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Stuart Andrew - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is reviewing its General Munitions procurement and support strategies, known as Project ABEL. Industry views were sought to allow existing and potential suppliers to contribute to the MOD's procurement strategy decisions, including the market's appetite for competition. A final decision has yet to be made.
Asked by: Lord Coaker (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent (a) meetings and (b) discussions he has had with representatives of the Space Growth Partnership.
Answered by Stuart Andrew - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
None. In the period December 2017 to December 2018, the Secretary of State for Defence has not had any meetings or discussions with representatives of the Space Growth Partnership.
Asked by: Lord Coaker (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of a competition for the Mechanised Infantry Vehicle.
Answered by Stuart Andrew - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
The Ministry of Defence conducted a comprehensive market analysis of the Mechanised Infantry Vehicle options before announcing its intent to re-join the BOXER programme, via OCCAR. Although securing a better deal via competition is considered highly unlikely, this remains the fall back option.
Asked by: Lord Coaker (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when his Department expects to receive Artec’s proposal for the purchase of the Boxer vehicle; and what the planned timetable is for his Department’s assessment of that proposal.
Answered by Stuart Andrew - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
The assessment phase, concluding in 2019, will consider the benefits of manufacturing locations and different supply chains for Boxer, as well as value for money. Any deal will be subject to commercial negotiation and assessment.
Asked by: Lord Coaker (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the effect of the UK leaving the EU on his Department's procurement programmes that have not yet reached Main Gate.
Answered by Stuart Andrew - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
The Government is undertaking a wide range of analysis in support of our EU exit negotiations and preparations. Within Defence, the majority of this work relates to existing commitments, equipment and personnel. Investment decisions (including procurements) are being supported by the standard Defence approvals processes.
Asked by: Lord Coaker (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent discussions his Department has had with the Government’s of (a) France and (b) Germany on a Main Ground Combat System.
Answered by Stuart Andrew - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
Ministry of Defence (MOD) officials and I have met with Ministers and officials from Germany and France several times over the past three months where the topic of a Main Ground Combat System has been raised, as well as a UK MOD delegation being present at the Main Ground Combat System Information Conference held in Berlin on 14 November 2018.
Asked by: Lord Coaker (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to publish the Modernising Defence Programme; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Gavin Williamson
The Modernising Defence Programme is ongoing. I remain committed to updating Parliament once progress has been made.