House of Commons and House of Lords Hansard Written Answers
Q
Asked by Douglas Chapman
(Dunfermline and West Fife)
Asked on: 03 July 2018
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Aerospace Industry: Scotland
160249
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps the Government is taking to support SMEs in Scotland to access the aerospace industry supply chain.
A
Answered by: Richard Harrington
Answered on: 10 July 2018
We are working closely with the Scottish Government, through Scottish Enterprise, to tackle barriers to growth, boost exports and grow high-value skilled jobs in Scotland, in support of companies of all sizes, including small and medium sized enterprises. This is backed with a UK wide industry strategy which is integral to Scotland’s own industrial strategy for aerospace, defence, marine & security. Support from the Department is provided through the £1.95 billion committed to new UK aerospace research and technology, out to 2026, which is matched by industry; and the £250m Sharing in Growth intensive performance improvement programme, focussing support to SMEs. Other R&D provisions are also available, for example Innovate UK has committed £45,883,111 in core grant funding to the Advance Forming Research Centre since 1st October 2011 – and up to 31st March 2019 – through the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. On top of this core funding, AFRC has been in receipt of separate, competitively-won funding from Innovate UK by being part of consortia that have made successfully bids through our various CR&D competitions. BEIS officials are in regular contact and meetings with officials in Scottish Enterprise responsible for supporting aerospace in Scotland to discuss aerospace priorities in Scotland and new investment opportunities.
Q
Asked by Andrew Rosindell
(Romford)
Asked on: 03 July 2018
Ministry of Defence
European Defence Fund
160130
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what involvement the UK is planned to have in the EU’s new defence fund and defence industrial programme.
A
Answered by: Guto Bebb
Answered on: 10 July 2018
As the Prime Minister stated in Munich, the UK wants to agree a future relationship with the European DefenceFund, including the European Industrial Development Programme. The UK has always participated in European collaborative programmes and we support this new mechanism for managing collaboration. Our track record shows we have much to offer and our defence industry is world-class. We have a key role to play in European defence and security. We are open to considering all options for participation in the EDF and the Government will be guided by what delivers the greatest economic advantage to the UK and UK industry.
Q
Asked by Andrew Rosindell
(Romford)
Asked on: 03 July 2018
Ministry of Defence
Rifles
160131
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when his Department is planning to replace the current SA80 standard service rifle.
A
Answered by: Guto Bebb
Answered on: 10 July 2018
The Ministry of Defence is currently upgrading 5,000 SA80 A2 models to the A3 model, with the intent to upgrade more weapons in the future. This upgrade delivers significant enhancements whilst extending the out of service date beyond 2025. No decision has been taken on the replacement of the SA80 A3 model.
Q
Asked by Andrew Rosindell
(Romford)
Asked on: 03 July 2018
Ministry of Defence
Armed Forces
160132
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure that the UK remains a tier one military power.
A
Answered by: Gavin Williamson
Answered on: 10 July 2018
This Government is absolutely committed to maintaining the UK’s status as a ‘tier 1’ military power. The plans and policies set out in the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review confirmed our commitment to maintain our world leading military status, and the Modernising Defence Programme aims to strengthen Defence and our Armed Forces further.
Q
Asked by Giles Watling
(Clacton)
Asked on: 06 July 2018
Ministry of Defence
NATO
161595
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent discussions he has had with his US counterpart on the importance of NATO members’ financial and capability commitments to that organisation.
A
Answered by: Gavin Williamson
Answered on: 10 July 2018
US Secretary of Defense, Jim Mattis, and I agree that all NATO members must fulfil their commitment to the the Defence Investment Pledge, contribute to the Alliance’s operations and missions, and support its work to adapt its structures and ways of working. In this way we can achieve a modern, united Alliance, fit to face the challenges of today and the future, that delivers on the commitments that Allies have made. This will be discussed again at the NATO Summit on 11-12 July.