Asked by: Stephen Metcalfe (Conservative - South Basildon and East Thurrock)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to encourage innovation in the defence industry.
Answered by Harriett Baldwin
With an equipment plan worth £178 billion and a rising defence budget, there are great opportunities for innovative suppliers. We have launched the Defence and Security Accelerator and an £800 million innovation fund to pursue innovative solutions to meet defence requirements.
Asked by: Stephen Metcalfe (Conservative - South Basildon and East Thurrock)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to fill the vacancy of Chief Scientific Adviser to his Department; and what the timetable is for advertising and filling that vacancy.
Answered by Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton
The Ministry of Defence's Chief Scientific Adviser post was advertised in 2016. After an extensive recruitment and selection process, a preferred candidate was identified. The appointment will be announced shortly.
Asked by: Stephen Metcalfe (Conservative - South Basildon and East Thurrock)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to encourage innovation by defence suppliers.
Answered by Harriett Baldwin
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Mid Worcestershire (Nigel Huddleston).