Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on using the procurement for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s Fleet Solid Support Ships to support regional economic growth.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) frequently holds discussions with Her Majesty's Treasury (HMT) including on using Defence spending to support the Government's Levelling-up Agenda.

This Government is acutely aware of the significant contribution to the economy by the shipbuilding enterprise. The National Shipbuilding Strategy recognises the economic value that naval shipbuilding brings to the UK through design, build, and the supply chain. Economic assessments are made on all major MOD procurements, including the Royal Fleet Auxiliary's Fleet Solid Support Ship, in line with HMT's guidelines on value for money.