Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on the Government's future procurement plans of the dispute before the American authorities between Boeing and Bombardier; and if he will make a statement.

The Defence Secretary has expressed concerns over the impact of Boeing's actions on the economy of Northern Ireland to Boeing senior leadership. He has been clear that this action is not what we would expect of a good partner to the UK.

We believe that Boeing has acted irresponsibly and have pressed them to reach an amicable, negotiated outcome to the dispute that preserves jobs in Belfast.

We stressed the failure to do so will have consequences for our relationship with the company, which might include the UK exploring a wider range of potential procurement alternatives considering the UK's social and economic objectives.