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Written question asked by Nicholas Dakin (Labour) on Thursday, 13 October 2016, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 18 October 2016 (named day). It was answered by Harriett Baldwin (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 October 2016 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Trident Submarines: Iron and Steel

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions his Department had with UK steelmakers before the decision was made to use French steel in the construction of Trident successor submarines.

Answer

The management of the steel procurement process for the Successor Programme is the responsibility of the Prime Contractor, BAE Systems. The Ministry of Defence's involvement with suppliers was limited to conducting a technical assessment during the tendering process to ensure bids met specifications.

The tendering process was progressed and concluded by the Prime Contractor, no viable UK bid was received for this part of the Successor submarine manufacture. Other stages of construction will include grades of steel manufactured by British suppliers and I encourage them to take the opportunity to bid.

Overall, 85% of BAE System's supply chain for the new submarines is based in the UK.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
48578
Session
2016-17
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
France Iron and steel Trident submarines
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk