Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gerald Howarth and Michael Ellis

Monday 13th December 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Howarth]

Of course having a viable and successful defence industrial base in this country is very important; there is nothing to be interoperable with otherwise. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we place a high premium on interoperability, partly because we think it will help to drive down costs if our equipment is interoperable with that of other countries. The United States is, of course, our principal ally in these matters, and is likely to continue to be—provided, of course, that they are helpful to us when we need their help in supporting our industry.

[Michael Ellis (Northampton North) (Con)]

10. What recent progress has been made on reform of the structure of his Department; and if he will make a statement.