House of Commons and House of Lords Hansard Written Answers
Q
Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon
Asked on: 10 January 2017
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
European Defence Agency
HL4546
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, and if so why, the UK is increasing its contributions to the European Defence Agency, and whether any part of the Agency’s funds will be used to finance plans to increase the EU’s defence capability which were agreed by a group of countries in November 2016.
A
Answered by: Baroness Anelay of St Johns
Answered on: 18 January 2017
The European Defence Agency (EDA) has had a flat budget since 2008.
However, in recognition of progress made by the EDA in response to demands for reform and improved performance, an inflation-only increase was agreed for 2017. This will be used by the Agency to assist the development of Member States’ defence capabilities.
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
[N]
Asked on: 13 January 2017
Ministry of Defence
Armoured Fighting Vehicles
59929
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress his Department has made on the Warrior Capability Sustainment programme; what the timetable is for that programme; and if he will make a statement.
A
Answered by: Harriett Baldwin
Answered on: 18 January 2017
The Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme is in its Demonstration Phase with Lockheed Martin UK (LMUK) as the prime contractor. Having achieved initial live firing using a prototype vehicle and a System Critical Design Review in 2015, twelve Demonstration Vehicles are currently being manufactured.
The Demonstration Vehicles will undergo a rigorous programme of trials commencing this year, including further live firing. The Ministry of Defence intends to conduct detailed negotiations with LMUK prior to committing to a manufacturing contract no later than 2018, with the first upgraded Warriors expected to enter service in 2020.
Q
Asked by Sir Nicholas Soames
(Mid Sussex)
Asked on: 09 January 2017
Ministry of Defence
Warships
59194
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when construction is planned to commence on the new Fleet Solid Capital Support ships; how many such ships there are planned to be; and when those ships will enter service.
A
Answered by: Harriett Baldwin
Answered on: 17 January 2017
The programme for three Fleet Solid Support Ships was announced in the Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015. It is currently in its Assessment Phase.
The date from which the ships will enter service will be determined at the main investment decision point.
Q
Asked by Sir Nicholas Soames
(Mid Sussex)
Asked on: 09 January 2017
Ministry of Defence
HMS Lancaster
59197
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when HMS Lancaster is planned to commence her refit; and what her duties are planned to be until that refit commences.
A
Answered by: Harriett Baldwin
Answered on: 17 January 2017
On current plans, the refit for HMS LANCASTER will commence in mid-2017. She is presently alongside in Portsmouth and is maintained with a minimal ship’s company until her refit.
Q
Asked by Andrew Rosindell
(Romford)
Asked on: 10 January 2017
Ministry of Defence
Aircraft Carriers
59336
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent discussions he has had with his French counterpart on the continued collaboration of aircraft carrier capabilities after HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales are commissioned.
A
Answered by: Harriett Baldwin
Answered on: 17 January 2017
France and the UK enjoy a close Defence relationship, spanning a diverse set of capabilities. As the only two European nations capable of fielding credible carrier strike into the future, we already collaborate strongly on carrier capabilities and interoperability, and this will endure and strengthen once HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH and HMS PRINCE OF WALES are commissioned.
The next UK-France Naval Staff talks, this spring, include Carrier collaboration a