Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between David Rutley and Peter Luff
Monday 16th July 2012
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
(12 years ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Priti Patel (Witham) (Con)
9. What his most recent estimate is of the proportion of defence equipment and support contracts let to small and medium-sized enterprises.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Peter Luff)
During the financial year 2011-12, approximately 41% of new contracts were awarded to small and medium-sized enterprises. That represented approximately 13% of the value of all new contracts placed in the year. A significant proportion of our other business also reaches SMEs from the prime contractors through the supply chain.
David Rutley
I welcome the recent announcement that 41% of contracts were awarded to SMEs. They are vital not only to our security, but to the economy. What steps is my hon. Friend taking to fulfil their potential abroad as well as at home?