Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Bill Esterson and James Cartlidge

Monday 26th June 2023 Commons Chamber

[James Cartlidge]

The hon. Gentleman asks an important question on an important programme. We are still committed to Morpheus, but there is a limit to what I can say at the moment because we are having contractual discussions with the supplier. I hope I can say more in due course. On Ajax, I make it absolutely clear that the intention is to upgrade the Bowman operating system within Ajax as the next step.

[Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab)]

11. What recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the defence procurement system.

[John Spellar (Warley) (Lab)]

16. What recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the defence procurement system.

[The Minister for Defence Procurement (James Cartlidge)]

We are driving the delivery of capability to the frontline. Over a two-year period to December 2022, we have seen a one-year reduction in the average programme duration, but we can do more to improve and are committed to learning the lessons of the Sheldon review.

[Bill Esterson]

On 13 March, the Defence Secretary told me that UK steel was not specified in defence procurement because

“we do not manufacture the type of steel”—[Official Report, 13 March 2023; Vol. 729, c. 529]

required. But according to UK steel producers, this is not true as they adjust production lines to match the needs of each contract. Now he knows our steel producers can deliver, will he do what all other major countries do, for reasons of national security, and guarantee to use domestically produced steel in defence procurement?

[James Cartlidge]

I do not accept that. I am happy to write to the hon. Member with the details. Our position is that, obviously, we want to use UK steel and we recognise its quality, but there will be cases where the appropriate steel has to be sourced from elsewhere. Ultimately, we have to deliver the equipment required for our capability.