Defence Budget

Debate between Lord Astor of Hever and Baroness Browning

Monday 14th May 2012 Lords Chamber

[Lord Astor of Hever]

I am also waiting with keen anticipation. I cannot give the noble Lord a date, but as soon as I hear one, I will let him know.

[Baroness Browning]

I welcome my noble friend’s Statement. Having spent six years on the Public Accounts Committee, where we spent many hours dealing with defence procurement, I believe that it is important to get the books balanced first. Will he say something about what changes are to be made in project management within the MoD? Clearly, from the reports that the Public Accounts Committee has received from the NAO over the years, there is a serious systemic problem there involving both systems and personnel.

[Lord Astor of Hever]

My Lords, my noble friend makes a very good point. I assure her that the Permanent Secretary is getting on top of that issue and taking a very disciplined approach to budget holders. A number of them have had a quiet gripe to me about that, but it is the right thing to do and the only way to get on top of the problem.