Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Philip Dunne and Bob Stewart

Monday 4th November 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Dunne]

I am sorry that I disappointed the hon. Gentleman, who had clearly got his facts wrong when he stood up the first time. This Ministry pays 92% of bills within five days, and we make arrangements specifically for small and medium-sized companies to make part payments to assist them with their cash flow. I would be happy for the hon. Gentleman to write to me if he has any other specific evidence to substantiate his claim.

[Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con)]

May I ask my right hon. Friend what percentage of the £1.8 billion allocated to bolster reserve forces has been spent already?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Philip Dunne and Bob Stewart

Monday 2nd September 2013 Commons Chamber

[Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con)]

T6. What chance is there of our reintroducing a maritime patrol aircraft in the near future?

[Mr Dunne]

As I believe my hon. and gallant Friend knows, the air ISTAR—intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance—optimisation study is looking at our defence requirements and capabilities in air-based ISTAR, including maritime patrol, to inform decisions as part of the strategic defence and security review in 2015. A range of options is being considered, including unmanned air systems for maritime surveillance. If he is available next week to go to the ExCel centre—rather than the O₂ centre which I mentioned earlier—for the Defence and Security Equipment International conference, I am sure that he will see some of those systems on display.