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Defence Procurement

Many of the vehicles that the hon. Gentleman mentioned have parts, including optronics and periscopes, that are made in my constituency. He will be aware of the multi-billion-pound upgrading programme that will enable a whole new generation of armoured vehicles to come on line. What help does he think can be given to smaller companies and suppliers in the UK to ensure that they keep their contracts? What capacity building needs to be done by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, as well as by the Ministry of the Defence, to make sure that small providers and suppliers in the UK have a chance to provide in future?