Topical question asked in the House of Commons, by Sarah McCarthy-Fry (Labour). It was answered on Monday, 21 July 2008 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Topical Questions

Question: In Portsmouth we have been celebrating the signing of the aircraft carrier contract, which will secure not only the future of Portsmouth naval base, but high-quality manufacturing jobs in our area for many years to come. Will my right hon. Friend carry on the good practice of interdepartmental working, which he started with the Command Paper, by working with the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills to ensure that young people in our area take advantage of the apprenticeships on offer at this joint venture? In that way, we will also keep the skills base for many years to come.

Answer: Of course; that applies across the entire industrial estate. My hon. Friend made a point about the skills that there will potentially be in Portsmouth for generations to come. They have to be exploited, but we cannot do that on our own in the MOD. I agree with my hon. Friend that we need to work with other Departments to do so.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 479 c525
Session: 2007-08
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Apprentices Navy Young people Shipbuilding Departmental coordination Aircraft carriers Portsmouth
Link: View this Topical question on www.publications.parliament.uk