Defence Reform

Lord Arbuthnot of Edrom Excerpts

Monday 27th June 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr James Arbuthnot (North East Hampshire) (Con)]

I congratulate my right hon. Friend on what is a truly radical shake-up of the Ministry of Defence, which it has needed for decades. I am delighted especially to hear that the chiefs of the armed forces will get more control over their budgets. Will my right hon. Friend assure me that the Treasury shares my delight and will honour this promise?

[Dr Fox]

Whether or not the Treasury is delighted by the proposals that I have put forward, it has certainly given its agreement. Therefore, the spirit in which it has done so is not really my concern.