Oral Answers to Questions

Douglas Carswell Excerpts

Monday 5th July 2010 Commons Chamber

[Dr Fox]

No, I can confirm that we will break the precedent set by the former Government, and that we will indeed give full support to whomever is chosen as the candidate.

[Mr Douglas Carswell (Clacton) (Con)]

17. How many defence procurement contracts have been frozen since his appointment.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Peter Luff)]

Out of the 57 equipment-related projects that were subject to re-approval as part of the exercise announced by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 17 May, two projects—the search and rescue helicopter project, and the procurement of long-lead items for the successor deterrent—have been suspended pending the outcome of urgent ongoing reviews. However, all projects, including those that have been re-approved, are being considered as part of the strategic defence and security review.

[Mr Carswell]

Does my hon. Friend believe that it is in the best interests of our armed forces that senior officials involved in preparing MOD contracts are regularly recruited to work for the contractor and lobby Government on its behalf?

[Peter Luff]

Like my hon. Friend, I have severe doubts about that particular practice, and I can assure him that I am watching it very carefully.