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Defence Procurement

I am glad that the hon. Gentleman is convinced about 2012, because that rather belies the scepticism with which he questioned Sir Peter Spencer. He said:"““No, I am not asking you that question. That is what they have put in a submission to us…They are the people you have employed to do this work.””" That is a reference to the systems house that is making the assessment and is employed by the MOD. It did not set 2012 as the in-service date; its assessment of the date on which the vehicle would come into service was 2017-18. The hon. Gentleman asked Sir Peter:"““Are you disagreeing with that?””" Sir Peter replied: ““I am noting it.”” The hon. Member for Portsmouth, South (Mr. Hancock) said:"““It is not very helpful, is it?””" The hon. Member for North Durham said:"““It is not very helpful.””"