Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Douglas Chapman and John Bercow

Monday 30th January 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I am sure the Secretary of State meant graciously to congratulate the hon. Member for Bolton North East (Sir David Crausby) upon his knighthood, but as he did not, I do so on his behalf.

[Douglas Chapman (Dunfermline and West Fife) (SNP)]

The National Audit Office reports that the procurement budget will reach its peak in 2020-23, at a time when massive and vital projects such as the F-35, Ajax and the Type 26 and 31 programmes will reach their peak. Our NATO partners such as the United States have a much more thorough oversight of procurement projects, something that can be undertaken here only by the Defence Committee or the Single Source Regulations Office. What plans does the Secretary of State have to increase the oversight of these massive projects, to ensure that we not only meet the 2% GDP target, but our capability is delivered on time, on budget and—

[Mr Speaker]

I think we have got the general drift, and we are deeply obliged to the hon. Gentleman.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Douglas Chapman and John Bercow

Wednesday 21st October 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. Mr Chapman’s question will be heard.

[Douglas Chapman]

Thank you, Mr Speaker. The manifesto of Canada’s new Government said that they would scrap the purchase of F-35s. Given that the Cabinet Office is responsible for the strategic defence and security review, have the Government given consideration to the unit costs, which will increase, given that other nations such as Canada might cancel their orders for F-35s?