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To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the answer of 21 May 2012, Official Report, column 438W, on defence procurement, how many of the urgent operational requirements delivered, or planned for delivery, later than originally approved are projected to be more than (a) six months, (b)...
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the answer of 21 May 2012, Official Report, column 438W, on defence procurement, how many of the urgent operational requirements delivered, or planned for delivery, later than originally approved are projected to be more than (a) six months, (b)...
[holding answer 16 July 2012]: The information requested is currently being verified. I will write to my hon. Friend when this has been completed.
Substantive answer from Philip Dunne to Stephen Barclay:
In response to your parliamentary question of 3rd September 2012, (Official Report, column 45W) seeking further information about the length of delay to the UORs referred to in his answer of 21st May 2012, my predecessor undertook to write to you with the information you requested. As some time has now passed I wanted to explain the reason for the delay.
The Urgent Operational Requirements (UOR) process was intended to allow the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to purchase rapidly or modify equipment to address urgent and unforeseen capability gaps in support of a current or imminent military operation. The process has been an undoubted success, with over £5.5 billion spent on equipment to meet emerging requirements in Afghanistan since the operation began. The process has evolved over several years and continues to change in relation to, among other things, the types of UOR being procured, the way Defence is organised and the databases on which the information is held. As a result of this evolution in the way the MOD manages the process, there is currently no single repository of information on UORs to draw from, although work is in hand to address this.
When the Ministry of Defence answered your original question of 21st May 2012, (Official Report, column 439W) officials did so to the best of their ability. In preparing the answer to your latest question about how late some UORs were compared to their original approvals, discrepancies between the current bespoke UOR database and other records were discovered. I would like to
resolve these before formally responding to your question and have asked for this work to be completed as soon as possible.
I am sorry for this delay and will provide an answer to you as soon as the checks are completed and the information verified.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the answer of 21 May 2012, Official Report, column 438W, on defence procurement, how many of the urgent operational requirements delivered, or planned for delivery, later than originally approved are projected to be more than (a) six months, (b)...
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the answer of 21 May 2012, Official Report, column 438W, on defence procurement, how many of the urgent operational requirements delivered, or planned for delivery, later than originally approved are projected to be more than (a) six months, (b)...
[holding answer 16 July 2012]: The information requested is currently being verified. I will write to my hon. Friend when this has been completed.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what railway equipment his Department possesses; and where such equipment is located.
[117586]
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what railway equipment his Department possesses; and where such equipment is located.
[117586]
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) uses its railway infrastructure for the movement of equipment, including munitions and armoured vehicles. MOD “railway equipment” includes a wide range of assets, such as standard gauge and narrow gauge locomotives, rolling stock, tooling and infrastructure. Some of this equipment is operated on behalf of the MOD by contractors. Sites include Defence Munitions Kineton, the Logistic Services site at Bicester, and the Marchwood Military Port.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many serving members of the Second Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers reside in (a) Bury North constituency, (b) Greater Manchester and (c) Lancashire;
[118103]
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many serving members of the Second Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers reside in (a) Bury North constituency, (b) Greater Manchester and (c) Lancashire;
[118103]
Information relating to where serving members of the Army reside and how many were recruited in any given constituency are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
(2) how many serving members of the Second Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers were recruited from (a) Bury North constituency, (b) Greater Manchester and (c) Lancashire.
[118104]
Mr Nuttall:
(2) how many serving members of the Second Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers were recruited from (a) Bury North constituency, (b) Greater Manchester and (c) Lancashire.
[118104]
Mr Nuttall:
Information relating to where serving members of the Army reside and how many were recruited in any given constituency are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what procedures his Department has put in place to detect bribery and other impropriety in contracts supervised by the Saudi Armed Forces Project Office.
[116593]
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what procedures his Department has put in place to detect bribery and other impropriety in contracts supervised by the Saudi Armed Forces Project Office.
[116593]
The Ministry of Defence is committed to the prevention, deterrence and detection of bribery. Contracts supervised by the Saudi Armed Forces Project Office are therefore subject to the same procedures and processes as all other Ministry of Defence (MOD) contracts.
Additionally, as part of the verification of supplier processes and prices, and with the support of the Saudi Arabian Government, senior officials within the Project Office seek assurances from the project prime contractor that procedures are in place for the prevention of bribery, in accordance with the detailed guidance published by the Ministry of Justice.
The MOD has well-established procedures through which staff can report concerns about bribery or any other forms of financial irregularity.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether his Department's due diligence process in respect of the Saudi Arabian National Guard Communications project recorded any payments made to Simec International and Duranton International; and whether his Department took action in respect of any such payments;
[116594]
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether his Department's due diligence process in respect of the Saudi Arabian National Guard Communications project recorded any payments made to Simec International and Duranton International; and whether his Department took action in respect of any such payments;
[116594]
Allegations have been made about GPT (Special Project Management Ltd), linked to the Saudi Arabian National Guard Communications Project. These are being considered by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO). It would not be appropriate to respond to these questions until such time as the SFO consideration is complete.
(2) what due diligence his Department undertook in respect of contracts placed as part of the Saudi Arabian National Guard Communications project.
[116595]
Stephen Pound:
(2) what due diligence his Department undertook in respect of contracts placed as part of the Saudi Arabian National Guard Communications project.
[116595]
Stephen Pound:
Allegations have been made about GPT (Special Project Management Ltd), linked to the Saudi Arabian National Guard Communications Project. These are being considered by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO). It would not be appropriate to respond to these questions until such time as the SFO consideration is complete.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many self-propelled snow removal units are permanently based in Scotland; what type of equipment each unit is; and where it is kept.
[117585]
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many self-propelled snow removal units are permanently based in Scotland; what type of equipment each unit is; and where it is kept.
[117585]
The UK's Defence footprint is organised, resourced and managed on a UK-wide basis to meet operational needs.
The number, type and location of self-propelled snow removal units permanently based in Scotland are shown in the following table:
| Equipment
type | Location | Quantity |
| Schmidt
CJS Mercedes Actros 2032A
(ASCV) | RAF
Leuchars | 3 |
| Snow
removal unit—5T Rolba
R400SA | RAF
Leuchars | 1 |
| Airfield
De-icer Sprayer—LADS Schmidt
Mercedes | RAF
Leuchars | 1 |
| Schmidt
CJS Mercedes Actros 2032A
(ASCV) | RAF
Lossiemouth | 2 |
| Snow
removal unit—5T Rolba
R400SA | RAF
Lossiemouth | 1 |
| Airfield
De-icer Sprayer—LADS Schmidt
Mercedes | RAF
Lossiemouth | 1 |
| Medium
Aircraft Towing Tractors
Schmidt | HMS
Gannet | 2 |
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the likely range of unit costs for the Type 26 frigate.
[117581]
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the likely range of unit costs for the Type 26 frigate.
[117581]
The Type 26 Global Combat Ship programme is in its Assessment Phase. The range of unit costs will be determined at the main investment decision, which is currently scheduled for the middle of the decade.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he plans to answer question 109631, tabled on 22 May 2012, for answer on 24 May 2012, on Royal Navy contracts.
[R]
[116198]
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he plans to answer question 109631, tabled on 22 May 2012, for answer on 24 May 2012, on Royal Navy contracts.
[R]
[116198]
I have replied to the hon. Member today.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the value is of the Royal Navy's contracts for (a) Type 45 destroyers, (b) Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers and (c) Astute Class attack submarines; and when each vessel being built under these contracts is due to come into service.
[R]
[109631]
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the value is of the Royal Navy's contracts for (a) Type 45 destroyers, (b) Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers and (c) Astute Class attack submarines; and when each vessel being built under these contracts is due to come into service.
[R]
[109631]
The current value of the contracts for the Type 45 destroyers is £5.577 billion. Timescales for in-service delivery of the programme are shown in the following table:
| In-service
date | |
| Daring | 2010 |
| Dauntless | 2010 |
| Diamond | 2011 |
| Dragon | 2012 |
| Defender | 2013 |
| Duncan | 2014 |
The current value of the contract for the Queen Elizabeth Class (QEC), excluding the engineering transition stage and Ministry of Defence project costs, is £4.45 billion. When these components are included, the agreed final target cost is £5.24 billion.
Following the decision to revert to a Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing design, the programme, including in-service dates, is currently being reviewed to develop updated costs and revised schedules for the delivery of the ships. Our aim, as set out by the Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond) in his statement on 10 May 2012, Official Report, columns 140-153, is to begin sea trials in 2017 and undertake aircraft trials in 2018. The revised programme will be subject to re-approval in due course.
Astute Class contracts are currently valued at £6.109 billion. This includes design and development, support studies and long lead items. The current timescales for in-service delivery of the Astute Class are shown in the following table:
| In-service
date | |
| Astute | 2010 |
| Ambush | 2013 |
| Artful | 2015 |
| Audacious | 2018 |
| Anson | 2020 |
| Boat
6 | 2022 |
| Boat
7 | 2024 |
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost was of the contract with BT to provide cyber security in each of the next seven years.
[116823]
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost was of the contract with BT to provide cyber security in each of the next seven years.
[116823]
BT provides cyber security for the Ministry of Defence through the Watchtower contract, which runs until the end of financial year 2018-19.
The cost of the contract in each of the next seven years is as follows:
| Financial
year | Total
cost
(£million) |
| 2012-13 | 2.7 |
| 2013-14 | 2 |
| 2014-15 | 1.5 |
| 2015-16 | 1.5 |
| 2016-17 | 2.7 |
| 2017-18 | 1.5 |
| 2018-19 | 1.5 |
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the export potential of the Light Protected Patrol Vehicle Foxhound; and if he will make a statement.
[116990]
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the export potential of the Light Protected Patrol Vehicle Foxhound; and if he will make a statement.
[116990]
[holding answer 13 July 2012]: As set out in the “National Security Through Technology” White Paper CM8273 published February 2012, we must provide our armed forces with the best capabilities we can afford. A number of these capabilities, such as Foxhound, have export potential, and the Government is committed to supporting industry in realising that potential.
While the company have received a number of inquiries from potential overseas customers, no firm export opportunities have, as yet, arisen. However, the UK Trade and Investment Defence and Security Organisation, as the Government lead for defence and security exports, are already exploring and supporting the aspirations of General Dynamics Land Systems-Force Protection Europe in any export opportunities which arise in relation to Foxhound. Its recent deployment on operations will enable us to assess its full capability.
The Farnborough international air show, which takes place in my constituency, was opened last Monday by my right hon. Friend the Prime
Minister, who emphasised the high importance that the Government attach to supporting defence and security exports. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence attended with his ministerial team, and we were extremely well supported throughout by the team from the UK Trade and Investment Defence and Security Organisation. RAF air and ground crews, accompanied by Italian air force personnel, were on hand to provide briefings on the outstanding role played by the Typhoon on operations over Libya last year. In addition, 150 air cadets were out in force helping the show organisers.
The Farnborough international air show, which takes place in my constituency, was opened last Monday by my right hon. Friend the Prime
Minister, who emphasised the high importance that the Government attach to supporting defence and security exports. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence attended with his ministerial team, and we were extremely well supported throughout by the team from the UK Trade and Investment Defence and Security Organisation. RAF air and ground crews, accompanied by Italian air force personnel, were on hand to provide briefings on the outstanding role played by the Typhoon on operations over Libya last year. In addition, 150 air cadets were out in force helping the show organisers.
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for setting out so clearly the merits of the Farnborough air show. He is absolutely right: SMEs play a hugely important part. It is not just about the big boys. Without the SMEs, which are a repository of a huge amount of highly specialised technical knowledge, we would not have the industries that we do have. I am pleased to say that orders worth $72,000 million were signed as a result of last week’s show.
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for setting out so clearly the merits of the Farnborough air show. He is absolutely right: SMEs play a hugely important part. It is not just about the big boys. Without the SMEs, which are a repository of a huge amount of highly specialised technical knowledge, we would not have the industries that we do have. I am pleased to say that orders worth $72,000 million were signed as a result of last week’s show.
I visited the Farnborough air show myself last week and was able to see the best of the British aerospace industry, which employs 100,000 people, is worth £20 billion, and holds a 17% share of the global market. Will the Minister join me in recognising the importance of the role played by small and medium-sized enterprises in the supply chain, particularly those in my constituency which are driving growth and employing apprentices?
I am pleased to say that the space industry is making a hugely important contribution in the United Kingdom. We have a number of very well-qualified companies. Two names that spring to mind are EADS Astrium and Surrey Satellite Technology, both of which are making huge contributions. I must tell my hon. Friend, however, that this is quite sensitive territory, and I cannot go into too much detail.
I am pleased to say that the space industry is making a hugely important contribution in the United Kingdom. We have a number of very well-qualified companies. Two names that spring to mind are EADS Astrium and Surrey Satellite Technology, both of which are making huge contributions. I must tell my hon. Friend, however, that this is quite sensitive territory, and I cannot go into too much detail.
I too had the privilege of attending the air show last week, in my capacity as vice-chairman of the Parliamentary Space Committee. The UK’s space industry has grown by 10% year on year for most of the last decade. Will the Minister tell me how the Ministry of Defence is supporting UK business in exporting in the defence sector?
As the right hon. Gentleman knows perfectly well from his experience in the Foreign Office, we have one of the most stringent arms export control arrangements in the world, and we look very carefully at these matters. I should add that Bahrain has been an extremely important friend and ally to both the United Kingdom and the United States.
As the right hon. Gentleman knows perfectly well from his experience in the Foreign Office, we have one of the most stringent arms export control arrangements in the world, and we look very carefully at these matters. I should add that Bahrain has been an extremely important friend and ally to both the United Kingdom and the United States.
We are still exporting arms to Bahrain, where the death toll mounts, the numbers in prison grow and the torture continues. I am curious to know whether the Minister has any moral qualms about that.
First, let me say that the Typhoon air display was given by a Scot—Scott Loughran. He gave an absolutely stunning display of the Typhoon. The UKTI Defence and Security Organisation represents the whole United Kingdom, and it does a great job for Scotland. If we were to bust up the UK, that would be bad news for Scotland, bad news for the UK and bad news for all businesses in this country.
First, let me say that the Typhoon air display was given by a Scot—Scott Loughran. He gave an absolutely stunning display of the Typhoon. The UKTI Defence and Security Organisation represents the whole United Kingdom, and it does a great job for Scotland. If we were to bust up the UK, that would be bad news for Scotland, bad news for the UK and bad news for all businesses in this country.
Many Scottish firms get assistance from UK Trade and Investment and benefit from the fact that the British
forces use Scottish equipment. Are Scottish firms likely to be helped or hindered by any breakaway of Scotland from the rest of the United Kingdom?
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend, and constituency neighbour, for pointing out that—as the trade association, the ADS, also observed—the event had unprecedented support from Ministers, including the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary, and from the Opposition as well. The support given to the show has been extremely valuable. I myself had 15 meetings with overseas delegations, and I can tell my right hon. Friend that I fully expect the same to apply in 2014.
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend, and constituency neighbour, for pointing out that—as the trade association, the ADS, also observed—the event had unprecedented support from Ministers, including the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary, and from the Opposition as well. The support given to the show has been extremely valuable. I myself had 15 meetings with overseas delegations, and I can tell my right hon. Friend that I fully expect the same to apply in 2014.
The fact that last week some 16 Ministers attended the Farnborough air show, all of whom showed a great degree of knowledge and interest, and the fact that the Prime Minister opened it with an outstanding speech, went down extremely well with the defence industry. Is my hon. Friend able to say whether exactly the same will happen in two years’ time?