Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Watson of Wyre Forest and Philip Dunne

Monday 25th February 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Dunne]

In 2012, 40% of new contracts placed by the MOD were with small and medium-sized enterprises; they are at the heart of the innovation within the supply chain for defence contractors. My hon. Friend may be interested to know that next week I will be addressing an NDI conference in Manchester on the very subject of encouraging SMEs into the defence supply chain.

[Mr Tom Watson (West Bromwich East) (Lab)]

Please can the Minister tell me what knowledge he and his Department have of weapons procurement by the Syrian opposition funded by the Saudis and supported by the Americans?

[Mr Dunne]

This Minister can offer no enlightenment to the hon. Gentleman on that subject.