Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the social value requirements for the Fleet Solid Support programme have been outlined by his Department to those parties engaged in the competition as of 10 May 2022.

Yes, it is an objective of the Fleet Solid Support ship competition to deliver UK social value in recognition of the opportunities for prosperity and levelling-up that the programme presents, maximising the social value contribution shipbuilding can make. This includes encouraging investment whilst balancing the need for value for money and a fully compliant solution.