Oral Answers to Questions

David Amess Excerpts

Monday 7th December 2020 Commons Chamber

[Jeremy Quin]

I am sorry to hear that. We are very keen to engage fully with the steel industry; it is important that we do so. We need transparency, and that is absolutely a goal, as is reinforced by the Cabinet Office guidelines. Looking at the macro picture, however, I am sure that the hon. Lady would agree that the plans we put in place for the biggest single boost to defence expenditure in 30 years, with the commitments to Type 26, Type 31 and the fleet solid support programme, all suggest that there are going to be good opportunities for steel manufacturers in the future.

[Sir David Amess (Southend West) (Con)]

What steps he is taking to ensure that his Department’s spending supports (a) high-skilled jobs and (b) the wider UK economy.

[Mark Logan (Bolton North East) (Con)]

What steps he is taking to ensure that his Department’s spending supports (a) high-skilled jobs and (b) the wider UK economy.

[The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Ben Wallace)]

The Ministry of Defence is one of the largest providers of apprenticeships in the United Kingdom, with around 20,000 on a programme at any one time. We are investing in cutting-edge capabilities and research and development with the future combat air system technology initiative, resulting in more than 1,800 highly skilled engineers in 300 companies throughout the UK. The MOD spent £19.2 billion with UK industry and commerce in 2018-19, safeguarding and supporting thousands of jobs throughout the UK.

[Sir David Amess]

Will my right hon. Friend confirm what impact the end of the transition period will have on our ability to amend defence procurement regulations to support UK jobs?

[Mr Wallace]

The Government are using the opportunity offered by leaving the EU to develop defence and security procurement regulations tailored to better meet the UK’s needs. We have embarked on a comprehensive review of the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011 with a view to improving the pace and agility of acquisition.