13 Mar 20. The Integrated Security, Defence And Foreign Policy Review.
Tuesday 17 March 2020
The Wilson Room, Portcullis House
Witnesses:
At 2.30pm
- The Lord Stirrup GCB AFC, Former Chief of Defence Staff (2006–10)
- The Lord Ricketts GCMG GCVO, Former Ambassador to NATO and National Security Advisor (2010-2012)
- Rt Hon. the Lord Robertson of Port Ellen KT, Former Secretary of State for Defence (1997-1999) and Secretary General of NATO (1999-2004)
The Defence Committee is exploring how Government should conduct an integrated review of the UK’s security, defence, development and foreign policy. In this second evidence session, the Committee will hear how those who have previously led reviews would conduct one today. Witnesses will share their views on how to set the parameters of a review and suggest how to approach the assessment of threats, opportunities and capabilities. The Committee will use the findings of this inquiry as a framework to collect evidence on the future of UK defence in Phase II of this inquiry.
11 Mar 20. Defence Committee launches Military Exercises and Duty of Care Inquiry: Further Follow Up. The Defence Committee has today announced the launch of its Military Exercises and Duty of Care Inquiry: Further Follow Up. This inquiry will examine the progress made since our predecessor committee’s 2016 report and will reflect on the current guidance and policy around the duty of care during training, exercises and selection events, whether the appropriate steps have been taken to instil a positive safety culture, and whether the families of those who have been injured are provided with the necessary support. The inquiry will also cover the effectiveness of the Defence Safety Authority and the Duty Holder Concept, the awareness around heat and cold injury policy, the appropriateness of the distinction between Regular and Reserve training pathways, and whether the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces have effective mechanisms in place to learn lessons and ensure accountability when Service Personnel die or are injured during such events.
Chair of the Defence Committee, Tobias Ellwood MP, said: “As a former soldier and someone who cares deeply about the wellbeing of our forces, it was personally important to me that the Committee relaunch this inquiry from the last Parliament. Personnel are the heart of our armed forces and their health, safety and wellbeing must be placed above all else. It would be a disservice to the individuals and institutions who work tirelessly to serve and protect our country if we failed to learn from the tragedies that have occurred during training. This inquiry will not only examine the current policies and guidance but will ask what more can be done to guarantee the safety of soldiers during training. As part of this further follow up, the Committee will seek to engage with those most affected by these policies, including the families and loved ones of those who have been injured or killed during training, exercises and selection events.”
10 Mar 20. Defence Committee revives Procurement and Prosperity Inquiry. The Defence Committee has today announced the relaunch of its Procurement and Prosperity Inquiry from the previous Parliament. This inquiry will examine the nature of the defence industry in the UK and the efficiency of the Defence Industrial Policy, asking whether a new strategy is required as part of the broader Integrated Review. Procurement will be a key focus of this inquiry, with the Committee examining the impact of the current approach to procurement and acquisition. Additionally, the Committee will explore the tension between competition and strategic choice. The Committee will consider new evidence, which can be submitted until the deadline of Thursday 23rd April. There is no need to resubmit previous written evidence.
Chair of the Defence Committee, Tobias Ellwood MP, said: “I am delighted that the Committee is relaunching this absolutely vital inquiry. ‘Procurement and Prosperity’ will explore fundamental questions around the wider role of defence as a major contributor to the UK economy and will ask how to ensure that the UK defence industry remains a valuable economic and strategic asset. Crucially, this inquiry will ask whether the Government’s industrial strategy is truly future-proof. Military technology is constantly evolving, and the defence industry should not be forced to play catch-up. The nature of defence itself is continuously in flux; we increasingly occupy the grey zone, with countries utilising an ever-expanding toolkit of tactics. For long-term industrial strategies to stand the test of time the Government must continually scope emerging cutting-edge technologies, predicting the next development. Without this, any strategy will fast become redundant in the face of rapid technological development. The defence industry is integral to our economic health as a country. Our country has a long history of a robust defence industry that delivers economic value whilst also serving as an essential resource and providing indispensable protection to its citizens. Our industrial policy must fly the flag for defence. This inquiry will investigate how to ensure that the UK defence industry continues to be recognised across the world as a competitive and innovative global player.”
09 Mar 20. Committee welcome the Government’s commitment to further incorporate the Armed Forces Covenant into law. During the last parliament, the Defence Committee undertook an inquiry into the Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report 2018. The Committee’s report, published in September 2019, concluded that the Government had yet to tackle major concerns that had been raised by the predecessor Committee in previous reports. These concerns included problems with repair and maintenance of Service accommodation, reinstatement of War Widow’s Pensions, priority treatment for Veterans, and Service children’s school admissions.
One of the report’s recommendations requested that the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) examine the provision of Single Living Accommodation “in depth and in detail”. The Committee received a letter from the C&AG on 10 February 2020, confirming his intention to do this and report to Parliament later in the year.
In December 2019, the MoD published the Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report 2019.
Commenting on the publication of the Government’s response, the Chairman of the Defence Committee, Rt Hon Tobias Ellwood said:
“The Government has a moral obligation to Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families. The predecessor Committee highlighted gaps between policy and implementation on important issues such as healthcare and accommodation, and I am pleased that the Comptroller and Auditor General will be taking our recommendation forward to look in detail at Single Living Accommodation.
The Committee and I will continue to hold the Government to account on these issues and will closely monitor progress on the Government’s intention to further incorporate the Armed Forces Covenant into law.”
06 Mar 20. Defence Committee announces inquiry into the Security of 5G. The Defence Committee has announced the formation of a Sub-Committee on the Security of 5G, which will focus on the use and security of equipment in 5G networks supplied by foreign companies, including the Chinese telecoms supplier Huawei.
The inquiry will examine the risks to the UK’s 5G infrastructure, along with options for mitigation. It will explore whether there are credible alternatives to Huawei systems and assess the geopolitical implications of the UK Government’s decision to allow Huawei to provide up to 35% of the UK network, particularly looking at the UK’s alliances with the United States and Australia. Upon concluding taking evidence, members will make recommendations on the appropriate response by the UK Government to these concerns.
Defence Committee Chair, Tobias Ellwood MP, said: “5G is the next generation of wireless technology and, although an exciting opportunity for the UK to strengthen its digital infrastructure, it is critical that we have a full understanding of the security implications. Once introduced, 5G will fast become an unextractable, indispensable part of our infrastructure as a country. It is paramount that, as we negotiate this new technology, we ask the uncomfortable questions about the possibility of abuse by foreign parties. We will work to understand the legitimate concerns around the Government’s decision to allow Huawei to contribute to the 5G network in the UK. A decision of this magnitude must be made with eyes wide open, and we will not shy away from tackling the public’s concerns head on.”
House of Commons and House of Lords Hansard Written Answers
Q
Asked by Caroline Lucas
(Brighton, Pavilion)
Asked on: 03 March 2020
Ministry of Defence
Nuclear Weapons: USA
24309
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his Statement of 25 February 2020, Nuclear Update HCWS125, what steps he plans to take to ensure that close work with the US on new warhead development is compatible with UK obligations under article 1 of the 1970 Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty not to transfer nuclear warheads or other nuclear explosive devices to any recipient whatsoever, directly or indirectly; and what recent estimate he has made of the (a) cost and (b) completion date of the proposed Trident warhead replacement programme.
A
Answered by: Jeremy Quin
Answered on: 11 March 2020
As the Secretary of State for Defence stated in his Statement of 25 February 2020, Nuclear Deterrent (HCWS125) the Defence Nuclear Organisation and Atomic Weapons Establishment will deliver the UK’s replacement warhead and we will continue to work closely with the US to ensure it remains compatible with the Trident strategic weapon system. This is consistent with our approach to our current warhead and we will continue to be fully compliant with our obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
As we have previously stated, the replacement warhead is not required until at least the late 2030s, and the programme to deliver it will be subject to the Government’s major programme approvals and oversight. We are withholding specific information about cost and in-service dates for the purposes of safeguarding national security.
Q
Asked by The Earl of Shrewsbury
Asked on: 27 February 2020
Ministry of Defence
MOD Stafford
HL2008
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to close 4 Site, MOD Stafford; and if so, what is the envisaged timescale.
A
Answered by: Baroness Goldie
Answered on: 10 March 2020
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation are currently in negotiations to sell 4 Site, MOD Stafford.
I am withholding the information in relation to when the site is intended for closure, as to do so would prejudice commercial interests.
Q
Asked by The Earl of Shrewsbury
Asked on: 27 February 2020
Ministry of Defence
MOD Stafford
HL2009
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, should they decide to close 4 Site, MOD Stafford, the original owner of the site will have preferred bidder status.
A
Answered by: Baroness Goldie
Answered on: 10 March 2020
The site will be disposed of in accordance with Ministry of Defence standard procedures and treasury guidelines. The Department would offer any surplus land back to the former owner or their successors under the Crichel Down rules at the market value if the associated Crichel Down criteria are met, and prior to going to the open market.
Q
Asked by Lord Tunnicliffe
Asked on: 02 March 2020
Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence: Carbon Emissions
HL2120
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the total amount of carbon emissions for the Ministry of Defence each year.
A
Answered by: Baroness Goldie
Answered on: 10 March 2020
The Ministry of Defence 2018-19 carbon emissions from the defence estate and domestic business travel was 0.82 million tonnes of CO2e. Further details are available in the Department’s Annual Report and Accounts at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ministry-of-defence-annual-report-and-accounts-2018-to-19
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
Asked on: 02 March 2020
Ministry of Defence
Defence Equipment: Costs
23518
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has put in place plans to reduce the £6 billion affordability gap over the next five years of defence equipment spending; and if he will make a statement.
A
Answered by: Jeremy Quin
Answered on: 10 March 2020
The Secretary of State is taking steps to manage the financial pressures in Ministry of Defence’s plans. We have subsequently reduced the shortfall in the years from 2020-21 by securing £2.2 billion extra spending for defence in the 2019 Spending Round and driving progress in our ambitious Transformation programme. We recognise that resolving the longer-term financial challenge in the Equipment Plan will be for the spending review later this year.
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
Asked on: 03 March 2020
Ministry of Defence
Chinook Helicopters: Procurement
24270
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what UK workshare has been negotiated for the Chinook Sustainment Programme.
A
Answered by: Jeremy Quin
Answered on: 10 March 2020
The Chinook Capability Sustainment Programme remains in the assessment phase. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is working closely with the United States Government to explore how Britain’s defence industry could benefit from this potential procurement.
While a final investment decision has not been made, the initial procurement is anticipated to provide UK employment opportunities, with the Chinook production supplier base providing potential additional orders for UK based companies. The majority of the UK workshare is likely to be within the aircraft support solutions. While these arrangements are yet to be formally agreed, initial Foreign Military Sales support will include employment of UK nationals.
The through-life support solution to provide an optimised solution for long-term sustainment of the fleet, directly leading to UK jobs, will be investigated by the MOD in due course.
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
Asked on: 03 March 2020
Ministry of Defence
Type 23 Frigates: Radar
24271
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the cost was of refitting artisan radar for the Type 23 Frigate.
A
Answered by: Jeremy Quin
Answered on: 10 March 2020
The contract for the Artisan System (RT997) Medium Range Radar (MRR) provides for the manufacture, installation, training and in-service support on 19 ships across five maritime platform types; including 13 Type 23 Frigates. The total contract price is £102.6 million (excluding VAT) of which the manufacture and installation element is £71.8 million (excluding VAT). While the contract does not allow for costs to be provided by specific platform type, the mean total manufacture and installation amount per ship is £3.8 million (excluding VAT).
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
Asked on: 03 March 2020
Ministry of Defence
Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft
24275
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 2 March 2020 to Question 18620, what the £421 million allocated to infrastructure and maintenance of the F-35 was spent on.
A
Answered by: Jeremy Quin
Answered on: 10 March 2020
Of the £421 million spent on the Defence estate to allow for the delivery and facilitation of maintenance of the F-35B, £150 million has been spent on facilities delivered by Defence Equipment & Support, including the Integrated Test Centre, Lightning Operations Centre and the Maintenance and Finishing Facility. The remaining £271 million accounts for work and facility upgrades overseen by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, including 617 and 207 Squadron related infrastructure.
Q
Asked by Luke Pollard
(Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport)
Asked on: 03 March 2020
Department for International Development
Hospital Ships
24429
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what discussions she has had with Secretary of State for Defence on the construction and operation of a UK hospital ship.
A
Answered by: James Cleverly
Answered on: 10 March 2020
DFID and the MoD already work closely together to respond to humanitarian emergencies. For example, following Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas last September, RFA Mounts Bay played a critical role in the UK response.
As set out in the UK Humanitarian Reform Plan, the UK Government is committed ensuring a bigger, better, faster response capability which is able to respond to a range of different natural disasters. This includes a continued commitment to use our military assets to deliver humanitarian aid whenever appropriate, in accordance with UN guidelines.
No decision has been made on the construction or operation of a UK hospital ship, and we will continue to ensure that UKaid is deployed in a way that maximises value for money for development and the UK taxpayer.
Grouped Questions: 24268 | 24269
Q
Asked by Lord MacKenzie of Culkein
Asked on: 03 March 2020
Ministry of Defence
Royal Fleet Auxiliary
HL2182
To ask Her Majesty’s Government when the three new Fleet Solid Support Ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary will be ordered; and what are the estimated in-service dates for each of those new ships.
A
Answered by: Baroness Goldie
Answered on: 10 March 2020
The Ministry of Defence is currently assessing the options for the fleet Solid Support ship programme, and as part of this process will review the requirement and any procurement strategy. It is not possible to provide any further details until this work has been completed.
Q
Asked by Jonathan Edwards
(Carmarthen East and Dinefwr)
[N]
Asked on: 05 March 2020
Ministry of Defence
Sahel: Military Intervention
25650
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent discussions he has had with his French counterparts on the progress of Operation Barkhane.
A
Answered by: James Heappey
Answered on: 10 March 2020
The Ministry of Defence discusses a range of issues with French counterparts, including the support the UK Armed Forces provide to the French led counter-terrorist mission, Operation BARKHANE.
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
[N]
Asked on: 05 March 2020
Ministry of Defence
Warrior Armoured Vehicle
25634
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much funding his Department has allocated from the public purse to the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme in each year from 2012 to 2019.
A
Answered by: Jeremy Quin
Answered on: 10 March 2020
The table below sets out the amount spent on the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme, rounded to the nearest £100:
FY2012-13 FY2013-14 FY2014-15 FY2015-16 FY2016-17 FY2017-18
£40,211,600 £62,804,000 £95,671,000 £57,464,700 £69,444,300 £61,155,900
FY2018-19
£45,192,700
Q
Asked by Lord Touhig
Asked on: 05 March 2020
Ministry of Defence
Hospital Ships: Procurement
HL2304
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether any new hospital ship will be operational before the retirement of RFA Argus in 2024.
A
Answered by: Baroness Goldie
Answered on: 10 March 2020
RFA ARGUS is the Ministry of Defence’s Primary Casualty Receiving Ship. The consideration of options to deliver the capabilities provided by ARGUS after she leaves service remains ongoing.
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
Asked on: 02 March 2020
Ministry of Defence
Armoured Fighting Vehicles
23454
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to end the service life of the FV107 Scimitar.
A
Answered by: Jeremy Quin
Answered on: 09 March 2020
The current planned out of service date for Scimitar is 2023.
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
[N]
Asked on: 02 March 2020
Ministry of Defence
Defence Equipment: Cost Effectiveness
23498
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department has taken to double the efficiency savings in the Equipment Plan 2019-2029 compared with the previous cost forecast.
A
Answered by: Jeremy Quin
Answered on: 09 March 2020
Holding answer received on 05 March 2020
The Ministry of Defence is embedding an improved approach to identifying and developing efficiencies through its Transformation programme, which will allow greater insight into the risks and maturity of efficiencies, including those within the Equipment Plan. We are also taking practical steps in the management of our equipment projects to encourage efficiency, for example improving commercial negotiation and project management skills. The increase in forecast efficiency delivery reported is due to benefits resulting from these changes, including new initiatives identified, the increased maturity of existing plans to reduce cost, and improvements in our understanding of their potential financial benefits.
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
[N]
Asked on: 03 March 2020
Ministry of Defence
Defence: Procurement
24262
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the recommendation on page 8 of the NAO’s report, The equipment plan 2019 to 2029, HC 111, 2019-29, published on 27 February 2020, whether his Department has plans to recruit financial specialists to increase the accuracy of his Department’s cost forecasting.
A
Answered by: Jeremy Quin
Answered on: 09 March 2020
Within the Finance Function, the Cost Assurance and Analysis Service (CAAS) plays a key role in the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) drive for Value For Money, leading on cost management development across Defence. CAAS has ISO accreditation as a professional cost management organisation with a team of over 300, including professional staff in the areas of Cost Accountancy, Cost Engineering and Cost Estimating. In Financial Year 2019-20 CAAS grew its Cost Estimating capability, with the arrival of an additional 40 graduate estimators. These staff have been recruited directly into CAAS on a bespoke 2 year Estimating Development Scheme.
In Financial Year 2020-21, CAAS plans to develop a bespoke E-Academy to provide cost management training on a virtual basis across a wider cohort of MOD finance and estimating staff. This will sit alongside ongoing work to share and embed leading cost management practice across Defence.
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
[N]
Asked on: 03 March 2020
Ministry of Defence
Defence: Procurement
24264
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the NAO’s report of 27 February 2020, The equipment plan 2019 to 2029, HC 111, 2019-20, which defence programmes have been responsible for the foreign exchange rate losses of £1.5 billion referenced in that report.
A
Answered by: Jeremy Quin
Answered on: 09 March 2020
The assessment of affordability presented in the Ministry of Defence Equipment Plan report of 27 February 2020 includes forecast costs for foreign currency using the most likely exchange rates at the reporting date (April 2019). The NAO calculated that these costs could be £1.5 billion more over 10-years based on less favourable exchange rates in October 2019. All of this was due to US Dollar exchange rate changes. Forecast exchange rates have since improved so these additional costs no longer represent the most likely outcome, though the Department recognises the risk of additional costs as exchange rates fluctuate in response to events.
The Department plans on the basis of most likely costs using foreign exchange rate forecasts from professional forecasting agencies and theoretical economic models. The department limits the risk of additional costs by purchasing a proportion of demand up to three years in advance at fixed prices using services provided by the Bank of England and HM Treasury. The impact of short-term variations in foreign exchange rates are managed as part of the routine financial management of the defence programme.
Q
Asked by Mr Mark Francois
(Rayleigh and Wickford)
[N]
Asked on: 03 March 2020
Ministry of Defence
Artillery: Decommissioning
24276
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the expected out-of-service dates of AS-90s; and if he will make a statement on its replacement.
A
Answered by: Jeremy Quin
Answered on: 09 March 2020
The expected out-of-service date for the AS-90 is 2030. Work is underway to identify a replacement to respond to the threats we will face out to the 2050s.
Q
Asked by Mr Mark Francois
(Rayleigh and Wickford)
[N]
Asked on: 03 March 2020
Ministry of Defence
Armoured Fighting Vehicles
24277
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the expected into-service date of Ajax armoured vehicles; and if he will make a statement.
A
Answered by: Jeremy Quin
Answered on: 09 March 2020
AJAX is a highly complex project, delivering the first fully digitised vehicle in the Land domain.
AJAX’s in service date is projected to be July 2020 though work is currently underway to confirm the achieveability of this date.
Q
Asked by Mr Mark Francois
(Rayleigh and Wickford)
[N]
Asked on: 03 March 2020
Ministry of Defence
Warrior Armoured Vehicle: Procurement
24279
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the (a) original and (b) most recent estimated cost to the public purse of the warrior capability sustainment development programme; and when he expects vehicles produced through that programme to come into service.
A
Answered by: Jeremy Quin
Answered on: 09 March 2020
The Warrior Capability Sustainment Project (WCSP) aims to deliver an operational fleet of upgraded Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicles, with improved survivability and firepower, until at least 2040. The original cost of the WCSP demonstration and manufacture phases in 2011 was estimated at £1.319 billion, with the most recent estimated cost being £1.546 billion. Manufacture discussions to confirm a date the vehicles will come into service are ongoing.
Q
Asked by Mr Mark Francois
(Rayleigh and Wickford)
[N]
Asked on: 03 March 2020
Ministry of Defence
Armoured Fighting Vehicles: Procurement
24280
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the cost to the public purse is of the challenger 2 life extension programme; and when are vehicles produced through that programme expected to enter into service.
A
Answered by: Jeremy Quin
Answered on: 09 March 2020
Challenger 2 remains a key capability for the Armed Forces as the British Army’s main battle tank. The Challenger 2 Life Extension Programme will provide a suite of capability upgrades and substantially extend its service life.
Commercial negotiations surrounding the Challenger 2 Life Extension Project are being conducted and therefore it is not possible to disclose costs at this stage. Similarly, these negotiations will establish in service delivery dates.
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
Asked on: 26 February 2020
Ministry of Defence
Type 31 Frigates: Iron and Steel
21163
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether it is his Department’s policy for the Type 31 to have cut steel for the first time in 2021.
A
Answered by: Jeremy Quin
Answered on: 05 March 2020
Yes, on current plans the steel will be cut for the first of the five Type 31 Frigates in 2021.
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
Asked on: 28 February 2020
Ministry of Defence
Type 31 Frigates: Procurement
22373
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 26 February 2020 to Question 18618 on Type 31 Frigates, when initial operating capability will be achieved for the Type 31 Frigate.
A
Answered by: Jeremy Quin
Answered on: 05 March 2020
The first Type 31 Frigate will be in the water in 2023 and all five ships will be delivered by the end of 2028. The approved in service date for the first Type 31 is May 2027.
The dates for Initial Operating Capability and Full Operating Capability have not yet been determined.
Q
Asked by Jack Lopresti
(Filton and Bradley Stoke)
Asked on: 25 February 2020
Ministry of Defence
Armoured Fighting Vehicles: Procurement
20461
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to accelerate the timescale for the (a) the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme (b) the Challenger 2 Lethality Enhancement Programme; and if he will make a statement.
A
Answered by: Jeremy Quin
Answered on: 04 March 2020
There are currently no plans to make any changes to the Warrior Capability Sustainment Project or the Challenger 2 Life Extension Project. The Government’s Integrated Security Defence and Foreign Policy Review will consider all aspects of our defence and security capabilities including these projects.
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
Asked on: 26 February 2020
Ministry of Defence
Maritime Patrol Aircraft
21172
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what support package his Department has agreed with Boeing for the P-8 aircraft; and what proportion of the through-life support of those aircraft will take place in the UK.
A
Answered by: Jeremy Quin
Answered on: 04 March 2020
Commercial work to agree the future support arrangements for the Royal Air Force (RAF) Poseidon fleet is ongoing, and in order to protect the commercial interests of the Ministry of Defence, I cannot provide any further detail at this stage. Currently, support for the two aircraft that have already been delivered is being provided as part of the Foreign Military Sale case. This is enabling us to make use of the arrangements already in place for US Navy aircraft.
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
[N]
Asked on: 28 February 2020
Ministry of Defence
Type 31 Frigates: Procurement
22370
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the National Shipbuilding Strategy, whether the cost of the Type 31 Frigate remains £250 million.
A
Answered by: Jeremy Quin
Answered on: 04 March 2020
The average production cost will be £250 million per ship. This is consistent with the challenge laid down for the Type 31 programme in the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
[N]
Asked on: 28 February 2020
Ministry of Defence
Type 31 Frigates: Procurement
22372
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 26 February 2020 to Question 18618 on Type 31 Frigates, what the definition of in the water is; and whether that definition includes the ship being affixed with Government Furnished Equipment.
A
Answered by: Jeremy Quin
Answered on: 04 March 2020
In the context of Type 31 the phrase ‘in the water’ means the point at which the ship is transported out of the assembly hall to an adjacent wet basin where it will be lowered into the water or ‘floated out’. Government Furnished Equipment will be integrated into the ship at appropriate points, including after ‘float out’ as is common practice in the building of warships.
The programme remains on track for the first ship to be in the water by 2023, however further information on the ‘in the water’ dates of the remaining Type 31 ships is commercially sensitive. The disclosure of this information would be prejudicial to commercial interests as the contractor is still in the process of finalising subcontractor supply chain agreements.
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
[N]
Asked on: 28 February 2020
Ministry of Defence
Type 31 Frigates: Iron and Steel
22377
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department has taken to include British steel within the supply chain of the Type 31 Frigate; what proportion of the hull contains British steel; and what the UK content is of the entire ship.
A
Answered by: Jeremy Quin
Answered on: 04 March 2020
It is too early to say what the steel requirement for the Type 31 Frigates might be. In line with Cabinet Office guidance on the procurement of steel in major projects, the Type 31 prime contractor, Babcock will make its steel requirements known to the UK steel industry in order that they may consider bidding.
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
[N]
Asked on: 21 February 2020
Ministry of Defence
Type 23 Frigates
18617
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has plans to delay the incremental retirement of the Type 23 frigates; and whether he has made an assessment of the cost-effectiveness of a sustainment programme for those frigates.
A
Answered by: Jeremy Quin
Answered on: 02 March 2020
On current plans the last Type 23 frigate will transition out of service in 2035.
The Type 23 frigate class is continually being updated and upgraded to meet new threats or to replace obsolete technology. This is achieved via a Through Life Management Plan. With regard to the cost of the programme, this draws together a number of capability enhancements; the information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Q
Asked by Gavin Robinson
(Belfast East)
[N]
Asked on: 26 February 2020
Ministry of Defence
Warships: Procurement
21307
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made on the Future Littoral Strike Ship.
A
Answered by: Jeremy Quin
Answered on: 02 March 2020
The Prime Minister has committed to undertake the deepest review of Britain’s security, defence and foreign policy. This review will examine how we strengthen and prioritise our alliances, diplomacy and development and will consider all aspects of our defence and security capabilities, including our approach to procurement and maintaining our technological edge. The work already undertaken on the future Littoral Strike Ship will feed into this review.
Q
Asked by Nia Griffith
(Llanelli)
[N]
Asked on: 26 February 2020
Ministry of Defence
Army
21186
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to maintain the size of the British Army throughout the 2019 Parliament.
A
Answered by: James Heappey
Answered on: 02 March 2020
The Government will undertake an integrated review of Britain’s security, defence and foreign policy. This will examine how we strengthen and prioritise our alliances, diplomacy and development and will consider all aspects of our defence and security capabilities. A key strand of the review will explore how we modernise the equipment and improve the capability of our world-class Armed Forces, including that of the British Army.
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
[N]
Asked on: 26 February 2020
Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence: Lockheed Martin
21166
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the level of consolidated damages payments made by Lockheed Martin to his Department was in each of the last five financial years.
A
Answered by: Johnny Mercer
Answered on: 02 March 2020
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not routinely use the term ‘consolidated damages’, so your question has been interpreted to mean ‘liquidated damages’.
In 2017-18, the MOD recovered liquidated damages from Lockheed Martin worth £350,000. No other payments were recovered in the last five years.
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
Asked on: 03 March 2020
Ministry of Defence
Type 23 Frigates: Guided Weapons
24272
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the cost was of attaching Sea Ceptor to the Type 23 Frigates.
A
Answered by: Jeremy Quin
Answered on: 11 March 2020
Installation and full integration of the Sea Ceptor missile system onto Type 23 Frigates draws upon different complex contractual arrangements and complete cost information specifically related to the attachment of Sea Ceptor (which would have been conducted alongside other tasks) is not centrally held and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.