20 Sep 19. The Defence Committee will be publishing its Report, Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report 2018 on Wednesday 25 September 2019 at 00.01am. This will be the Committee’s Eighteenth Report of Session 2017–19 (HC 1899).
House of Commons and House of Lords Hansard Written Answers
Q
Asked by Robert Courts
(Witney)
Asked on: 02 September 2019
Ministry of Defence
Hercules Aircraft
284414
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Defence Safety Authority report into the loss of a C130J Hercules in Iraq in August 2017, published May 2019, which stated that the resourced position of 20 crews will be insufficient to deliver a sustainable force beyond 2019, what additional (a) financial and (b) personnel resources have been allocated to the C130J force to ensure its sustainability.
A
Answered by: Mark Lancaster
Answered on: 09 September 2019
The increased resource position provided by the most recent planning round meets Defence requirements. Decisions on the number of resourced crews beyond that date have not been finalised and will be undertaken as part of normal budgetary cycles. This process considers and prioritises safety above all other enhancements.
Q
Asked by Deidre Brock
(Edinburgh North and Leith)
Asked on: 02 September 2019
Ministry of Defence
Submarines: Decomissioning
284215
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 9 July 2019 to Questions 272213 and 272215, when it became his Department’s policy to withhold the planned out-of-service dates for Royal Navy submarines.
A
Answered by: Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Answered on: 09 September 2019
In February 2017, the Ministry of Defence determined that the in and out of service dates for submarines should be withheld as disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.
Q
Asked by Ruth Smeeth
(Stoke-on-Trent North)
Asked on: 02 September 2019
Ministry of Defence
Porton Down: Procurement
284373
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many SMEs have been awarded Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contracts.
A
Answered by: Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Answered on: 09 September 2019
During 2018-19, 4,312 (36 per cent) of Dstl’s contracts were awarded to Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises.
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
Asked on: 02 September 2019
Ministry of Defence
Information Warfare
284460
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has plans to improve the UK’s hybrid warfare capability.
A
Answered by: Mark Lancaster
Answered on: 09 September 2019
Hybrid threats present themselves across multiple domains, and consequently Her Majesty’s Government considers a ‘whole of Government approach’ as critical to ensure effective resilience, response and deterrence.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has a key role to play in this, and is firmly committed to collaboration with other Government departments, working in line with Fusion Doctrine to achieve a cohesive approach.
Informed by the policy direction set out in the National Security Capability Review (NSCR) and Modernising Defence Programme (MDP) MOD is actively working to evolve our vision for Joint Force 2025 to address the more uncertain, volatile international security environment that has developed since 2015.
As hybrid threats manifest in multiple domains, the UK needs to maintain credible forces to deter and defend against a broad spectrum of threats.
As we develop new capabilities to address emerging threats we must carefully and objectively balance this with the continued need to protect against conventional attack. Where possible we will seek to develop capabilities that have utility across the spectrum of conflict. We do not comment on the specifics of capabilities being developed in the interests of National Security, as these could be of use to a potential adversary.
Resilience is also key when dealing with hybrid threats, and we are aware that we must protect conventional capabilities from new threats. The MOD has, therefore, invested significantly in cyber defence and security across its capabilities and infrastructure, with £265 million being invested in a pioneering approach to root out cyber vulnerabilities within military platforms and wider cyber dependent systems, helping defence better understand and mitigate cyber risks.
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
Asked on: 02 September 2019
Ministry of Defence
Tornado Aircraft: Training
284466
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when his Department plans to end the service of the RAF Tornado simulator.
A
Answered by: Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Answered on: 09 September 2019
Following the drawdown of the Tornado Force in March 2019, the Tornado simulators at both RAF Marham and RAF Lossiemouth have been dismantled and disposed of.
Q
Asked by Ruth Smeeth
(Stoke-on-Trent North)
Asked on: 02 September 2019
Ministry of Defence
Type 31 Frigates
284468
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of naming one of the future Type 31 frigates after Burslem, the mother town of the potteries.
A
Answered by: Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Answered on: 09 September 2019
The names of the Type 31 Frigates have already been proposed by the Navy Board and are awaiting final approval. Following approval, the names will be announced at appropriate opportunities in the future.
I have asked the Navy Board’s Ships’ Names and Badges Committee to note the proposal for the name ‘Burslem’ to be considered for a ship or submarine in the future.
Q
Asked by Deidre Brock
(Edinburgh North and Leith)
Asked on: 02 September 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Satellites
284463
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether it is Government policy to build a satellite system to rival the EU’s Galileo network.
A
Answered by: Nadhim Zahawi
Answered on: 09 September 2019
In the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review, the Government made a commitment to enhance the resilience of Position, Navigation and Timing services for military, key domestic resilience responders, including Critical National Infrastructure. The terms that the European Commission are prepared to offer for continued UK participation in Galileo fall short of the minimum that we consider acceptable, to be able to rely on Galileo for such critical services. As such, in December 2018, the former Prime Minister announced that we would not use Galileo for these users. The UK Space Agency with the Ministry of Defence is currently undertaking an Engineering, Design and Development Phase to confirm the viability of a UK Global Navigation Satellite System to meet the specific needs of the UK and its allies. The UK Government does not see our work on a UK GNSS as a rival to Galileo, we are designing a system that meets the specific needs of the UK and allies and one that would provide services complimentary to Galileo and other Global Navigation Satellite Systems.
This approach fits in the wider UK ambition for space, which will see the UK as leaders of the global space industry with a target to capture 10% of the global space economy by 2030.
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
Asked on: 02 September 2019
Ministry of Defence
Defence: Procurement
284808
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has made an assessment of the extent to which the administration of Harland and Wolff will weaken the UK’s sovereign defence capability.
A
Answered by: Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Answered on: 09 September 2019
For the purpose of safeguarding national security, the Department does not comment on whether a capability within the UK’s industrial and technological base is vital for operational advantage or freedom of action reasons (often referred to as sovereign capabilities). Whilst we are disappointed to hear that Harland and Wolff entered administration, this will not affect current or future capabilities for the Royal Navy.
Q
Asked by Mrs Madeleine Moon
(Bridgend)
Asked on: 02 September 2019
Ministry of Defence
RAF St Athan
284673
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether a date for the closure of No.4 School of Technical Training at RAF St. Athan has been agreed; and if he will make a statement.
A
Answered by: Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Answered on: 09 September 2019
There is an ongoing requirement for the training delivered by No. 4 School of Technical Training, and there are no plans to close the School. However, the intent remains to relocate No.4 School of Technical Training from its current location in St Athan before the lease on the School’s buildings expire in 2024.
Q
Asked by Ruth Jones
(Newport West)
Asked on: 02 September 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Iron and Steel: Manufacturing Industries
284929
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment she has made of the future of the UK steel industry after the UK leaves the EU.
A
Answered by: Nadhim Zahawi
Answered on: 09 September 2019
There are a number of challenges facing the steel industry globally, including demand slowing across developed economies and persistent global excess production capacity, which lowers prices and makes it difficult for UK steel companies to compete fairly. We are working to safeguard the UK from this problem through effective trade defence measures and working through the G20 to ensure action is taken on global excess capacity and on the unfair subsidies that contribute to it.
We have worked closely with UK steel producers and businesses in their supply chains to understand the potential impacts of EU Exit and support them to prepare, and will continue to do so over the coming weeks.
The UK Government is also taking wide-ranging action to support the industry including compensation for energy costs, supporting innovation and clean steel production, and working with the industry to introduce steel procurement guidance.
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
Asked on: 02 September 2019
Ministry of Defence
Shipbuilding: Graduates
285218
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has plans to increase the number of graduates entering the UK’s shipbuilding sector.
A
Answered by: Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Answered on: 09 September 2019
As the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSBS) acknowledges, having the skills within the UK to design, build, repair, and supply certain equipment and systems and integrate naval ships (and security sensitive equipment in all naval ships) is a key factor in the successful delivery of naval capability. We acknowledge that ensuring that there are sufficient numbers of properly skilled workers across the sector will require continued investment and support from Industry. BAE Systems have recently evidenced their commitment to developing world-class engineering skills by opening their Academy for Skills and Knowledge at Barrow.
As I am sure you are aware, there are a variety of initiatives in place across the UK designed to support the development of skills, some are the responsibility of the Devolved Administrations. In relation to naval shipbuilding, the Maritime Enterprise Working Group with the support of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Ministry of Defence and the Society of Maritime Industries coordinate a long term programme of improvement to improve the industry’s productivity and competitiveness, including assessing the underpinning skills base and roles.
Q
Asked by Stephen Gethins
(North East Fife)
Asked on: 03 September 2019
Ministry of Defence
Trident
286283
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he he has made of the cost to the public purse of maintaining the Trident Nuclear Weapons programme for (a) 2019 and (b) the lifetime of that programme.
A
Answered by: Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Answered on: 09 September 2019
No estimate has been made of the cost of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise for calendar year 2019. Information on forecast costs for financial years 2018/19 and 2019/20 can be found in figure 12 of the National Audit Office’s landscape review of the Enterprise published on 22 May 2018, which is available at the following link:
https://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/The-Defence-Nuclear-Enterprise-a-landscape-review.pdf
The Ministry of Defence does not, and has no plans to, routinely publish whole life costs for projects, nuclear or otherwise, beyond what is already published in reports such as the Defence Equipment Plan, Ministry of Defence Annual Report and Accounts, and the Infrastructure and Projects Authority’s Annual Report on Major Projects.
Q
Asked by Stephen Gethins
(North East Fife)
Asked on: 03 September 2019
Ministry of Defence
Saudi Arabia: Military Aid
286285
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the (a) expenditure was for the financial year 2018-19 and (b) budget is for 2019-20 for (i) the Saudi Arabian National Guard Communications Project and (ii) the Ministry of Defence Saudi Armed Forces Project.
A
Answered by: Mark Lancaster
Answered on: 09 September 2019
The expenditure of the Saudi Arabian National Guard Communications Project (SANGCOM) is recovered from the Saudi Arabian Government, but SANGCOM operates under a separate Memorandum of Understanding from Ministry of Defence Saudi Armed Forces Project (MODSAP), under which the details of such recoveries are confidential to the two Governments.
The expenditure by the MODSAP in financial year 2018-19 amounted to £66.43 million. The budget however for financial year 2019-20 is £69.08 million. The costs of MODSAP are met from a management fee received from the Saudi Arabian Government.
Q
Asked by Gavin Robinson
(Belfast East)
[N]
Asked on: 04 September 2019
Ministry of Defence
Warships: Procurement
286777
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he will announce preferred bidders for (a) Type 31e frigates and (b) fleet solid support ships.
A
Answered by: Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Answered on: 09 September 2019
For the position on the Type 31 Frigate programme, I refer the hon. Member to the answer my predecessor gave to the hon. Member for Birkenhead (Frank Field) on 13 May 2019 to Question 251904.
In respect of the Fleet Solid Support ships, subject to normal approvals, we anticipate that a design and build contract will be awarded in 2020. An announcement will be made in due course.
Type 31 Frigates: Procurement (Word Document, 28.53 KB)
Q
Asked by Jack Lopresti
(Filton and Bradley Stoke)
Asked on: 04 September 2019
Ministry of Defence
Defence: Exports
286706
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans his Department has to ensure that UK defence exports continue to be supported after the UK leaves the EU.
A
Answered by: Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Answered on: 09 September 2019
Defence exports will continue to be supported, not just by Defence, but by other Government Departments including the Department for International Trade, after the UK leaves the EU. Work is ongoing to explore how to strengthen the competitiveness of UK industry and support exports, both to the EU and globally.
Q
Asked by Luke Pollard
(Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport)
Asked on: 05 September 2019
Ministry of Defence
Stonehouse Barracks
287622
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to publish new basing arrangements for the Royal Marines currently based at Stonehouse Barracks in Plymouth.
A
Answered by: Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Answered on: 09 September 2019
The Royal Navy is conducting an assessment of basing options. Details will be published once a decision is made.
Q
Asked by Luke Pollard
(Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport)
Asked on: 05 September 2019
Ministry of Defence
Military Exercises: Plymouth
287623
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to alter the frequency of Exercise Short Sermon for nuclear resilience in Plymouth.
A
Answered by: Mark Lancaster
Answered on: 09 September 2019
The Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2019 (REPPIR) place a statutory duty on Plymouth City Council (PCC) to prepare and test an off-site emergency plan for the Devonport site. Previous tests of the off-site plan have been conducted during Exercise Short Sermon, with the frequency and timing of the exercise being agreed between PCC, the Ministry of Defence and Devonport Royal Dockyard Limited.
The next test of these arrangements will be conducted by PCC during Exercise Short Sermon 19, to be held on 12 September, and the Devonport site operations will continue to agree future test dates with PCC in accordance with REPPIR requirements.
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
Asked on: 02 September 2019
Department for Education
Apprentices: Shipbuilding
285222
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to increase the number of apprenticeships in the UK shipbuilding industry.
A
Answered by: Mrs Kemi Badenoch
Answered on: 06 September 2019
Employers are at the heart of government’s reforms on apprenticeships, designing new high-quality apprenticeship standards that meet the needs of their industries.
There are 116 engineering and manufacturing standards available for employers in the shipbuilding industry to choose from, and a total of 487 standards available across a wide range of sectors from Business and Administration to Health and Science.
The Engineering Technician standard at Level 3 has been developed by employers, including employers in the defence industry such as BAE Systems, Babcock and the Royal Navy. This includes the following maritime defence pathways: Maritime Electrical Fitter, Maritime Mechanical Fitter, Maritime Fabricator and Maritime Pipeworker. More detail on the standard can be found on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education’s website at the following link: https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/engineering-technician/.
Employers in the shipbuilding industry in England can use their apprenticeship levy funds to invest in these new high-quality apprenticeship standards, unlocking the productivity benefits associated with employing apprentices.
This financial year (2019-20) funding available for investment in apprenticeships in England is over £2.5 billion, double what we spent in 2010-11.
The National Apprenticeship Service is supporting employers in the shipbuilding industry to develop their apprenticeship programmes. Employers can find out more about apprenticeships at: https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/.
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
Asked on: 02 September 2019
Ministry of Defence
Army
284345
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has made any assessment of whether the founding of the 6th Division will affect the current operations of the 77th brigade.
A
Answered by: Mark Lancaster
Answered on: 05 September 2019
The formation of 6th (UK) Division brings together five existing Army brigades, including 77th Brigade. The Division will enhance the Army’s ability to conduct intelligence, counter-intelligence and information operations as well as respond to electronic, cyber and unconventional warfare threats. The brigades involved include reserve units which will play a full part in 6th Division activity. No new funding has been allocated as this is a rebalancing of existing units not the creation of new ones.
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
[N]
Asked on: 02 September 2019
Ministry of Defence
Aircraft Carriers: Shipbuilding
284819
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Harland and Wolff having entered into administration, which UK shipyards have the infrastructure to facilitate the repair and retrofitting of the UK’s two Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers.
A
Answered by: Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Answered on: 05 September 2019
Routine scheduled repair and refitting of the two Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, other than dry-docking, will be undertaken at Her Majesty’s Naval Base Portsmouth.
The following dry-dock facilities in the UK are of a sufficient size to accommodate the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers:
Able UK, Seaton Port, Teeside; Babcock, Rosyth; Cammell Laird, Birkenhead; Cammell Laird, Greenock (Inchgreen); Harland and Wolff, Belfast.
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
[N]
Asked on: 02 September 2019
Ministry of Defence
Royal Fleet Auxiliary: Tankers
284825
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the cost to the public purse has been of refitting and retrofitting the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s four Tide-Class tankers.
A
Answered by: Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Answered on: 05 September 2019
Both RFA TIDESPRING and TIDERACE are currently undertaking their first refit periods. Until these refits have completed, it is not possible to provide the final cost figure.
Q
Asked by Dr Julian Lewis
(New Forest East)
[N]
Asked on: 02 September 2019
Ministry of Defence
Defence: Procurement
285109
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the Government’s policy is on the acquisition of major UK-based defence companies by overseas investors; what assessment he has made of the prospect of such companies being willing to (a) enter into, and (b) deliver long-term defence contracts after they have been taken over by private equity firms structured so as to make long-term ownership improbable; and whether undertakings in respect of the (i) pursuit and (ii) fulfilment of long-term defence contracts have or will be sought from Advent International its proposed acquisition of Cobham plc.
A
Answered by: Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Answered on: 05 September 2019
Changes of control within the defence sector are largely a matter for the companies concerned. Ministers can intervene in mergers on public interest grounds including for reasons of national security with each merger considered on a case by case basis. We can take action through private undertakings in the form of security deeds, or via statutory means under the Enterprise Act 2002.
The MOD provides advice in this process to the relevant Secretary of State, who has a quasi-judicial role in deciding whether to intervene in mergers. The Secretary of State must consider only the evidence relevant to the public interest grounds raised. This also means that it is not appropriate for the Government to provide commentary on whether public interest concerns arise in relation to a merger ahead of any decision on whether to intervene.
Q
Asked by Dr Julian Lewis
(New Forest East)
[N]
Asked on: 02 September 2019
Ministry of Defence
Defence: Procurement
285056
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish a list of the principal (a) defence services and (b) items of defence equipment supplied by Cobham plc to the UK armed forces either directly or as component parts of services and goods supplied by other defence companies for (i) threat simulation services and equipment, (ii) air-to-air refuelling systems, (iii) weapons-release equipment and (iv) other categories of services and equipment; what steps he will take to ensure that future generations of those services and equipment will continue to be available to the UK armed forces in the event that Cobham plc ceases to bid for the long-term contracts required to develop and deliver them; and if he will make a statement.
A
Answered by: Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Answered on: 05 September 2019
While the proposed transaction for Cobham plc by Advent International is primarily a commercial matter for the parties concerned, we are closely monitoring the situation.
Ministry Of Defence (MOD) officials have met both parties to understand their plans in relation to the proposed acquisition. Ministers can intervene in mergers on public interest grounds covering national security, financial stability or media plurality, with each merger considered on a case by case basis.
The MOD provides advice in this process to the relevant Secretary of State, who has a quasi-judicial role in deciding whether to intervene in mergers. The Secretary of State must consider only the evidence relevant to the public interest grounds raised. This also means that it is not appropriate for the Government to provide commentary on whether public interest concerns arise in relation to a merger ahead of any decision on whether to intervene.
Grouped Questions: 284897 | 284780 | 285054
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
[N]
Asked on: 23 July 2019
Ministry of Defence
Navy
281021
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the statement by the right hon. Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip of 23 July 2019 that the UK will build more ships, what plans her Department has to expand the Royal Navy.
A
Answered by: Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Answered on: 03 September 2019
Our Royal Navy will soon take delivery of their second aircraft carrier, HMS PRINCE OF WALES, completing the Queen Elizabeth Class. She will be ably supported by cutting edge F-35 fighter jets. We are investing in a full new generation of submarines and Type 26 frigates which will equip the Royal Navy with world leading capabilities to defend British and our allies’ interests. We have already committed to building new Batch 2 Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) and, as announced on 22 November 2018, will retain the Batch 1 OPVs. In addition, the winning bidder for the Type 31 will be announced shortly. The Government has also committed to increase the number of personnel in the Royal Navy, and will spend £64.1 billion on procurement and support of ships and submarines over the next decade.
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
Asked on: 24 July 2019
Ministry of Defence
Hercules Aircraft
281650
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what refitting and retrofitting has been performed on the 14 C-130J/C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft to allow OSD to be extended for a further five years.
A
Answered by: Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Answered on: 03 September 2019
A number of activities are being undertaken to extend the out of service date of the RAF’s C-130J/C-130J-30 fleet to 2035. Work commenced in March this year to replace the centre wing sections of the aircraft. In addition, work is scheduled to commence next year to replace the current steel brakes with carbon ones, and additional modifications will also be made to upgrade aircraft avionics systems.
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
Asked on: 24 July 2019
Ministry of Defence
Military Aircraft: Sweden
281654
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans she has to collaborate with Sweden on combat air systems as a result of the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on that matter with that country on 18 July 2019.
A
Answered by: Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Answered on: 03 September 2019
The Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments allows for additional activities, including contracts, to be taken forward. The next steps include development of a joint acquisition road map, identifying technologies to spiral from Gripen and Typhoon onto an future combat air system, research and technology co-operation and further Government and industry studies, particularly on cost modelling. These steps will inform both Governments’ decision-making process. For the UK, the next decision to be made is in quarter four of financial year 2020-21, following submission of the Outline Business Case.
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
Asked on: 24 July 2019
Ministry of Defence
Warrior Armoured Vehicle
281651
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans her Department has to remove Armoured Infantry 2025 project to upgrade Warrior vehicles from the IPA’s red classification.
A
Answered by: Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Answered on: 03 September 2019
The MOD has programmed a comprehensive response to the Infrastructure and Project Authority’s red status of the delivery confidence for the Warrior capability sustainment programme. The status was first designated 20 months ago, and the Department expects the full impact of the changes that have since been made to the programme will be reflected in the IPA’s next annual report. Improvements to the realism of scheduling have led to key programme milestones being met in the past year, such as live firing crew clearance and successful battlefield mission assessments.