Oral Answers to Questions

Alan Strickland Excerpts

Monday 18th November 2024 Commons Chamber

[John Healey]

I urge the hon. Lady to look back in the record at the answer that I have given two or three times already to this House.

[Alan Strickland (Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor) (Lab)]

T4.   I thank the Secretary of State for Defence for his decisive action to safeguard the Octric semiconductor factory in Newton Aycliffe in my constituency, protecting jobs and, crucially, the sovereign supply of this vital defence component. Will my right hon. Friend meet with me to discuss how we can expand the jobs, apprenticeships and opportunities at this fantastic high-tech facility?

[The Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry (Maria Eagle)]

The MOD will continue to invest in the company’s people to ensure that the facility has a sustainable future. Octric’s leadership team is currently finalising its future resource plan, which will cover the need for new high-tech roles such as engineers and scientists to ensure that the facility is best placed to develop new technology and meet defence needs. I am more than happy to meet my hon. Friend about that.