Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Guto Bebb and Jeremy Quin

Monday 11th June 2018 Commons Chamber

[Guto Bebb]

The hon. Gentleman is well aware of the situation. As I articulated in the Westminster Hall debate, Albion and Bulwark are currently expected to be in service until 2033 and 2034 respectively.

[Jeremy Quin (Horsham) (Con)]

10. What progress his Department has made on encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises to participate in defence procurement programmes.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Guto Bebb)]

Small businesses play a crucial role in our defence capability. To support them, we have launched a supplier portal that brings together a range of information and advice for new suppliers, and we have appointed a champion for smaller businesses to drive engagement. We also now require our largest suppliers to advertise their subcontracting opportunities on Government platforms.

[Jeremy Quin]

Anti-drone technology produced by an SME in Horsham has been used very successfully by US forces on operations for more than a year now. Will the Minister assure the House that the MOD will always go for best in class in procurement, and that this is open to smaller manufacturers, as it is with our allies?

[Guto Bebb]

My hon. Friend makes a really important point about the importance of SMEs in innovation and capability. Our refreshed defence industrial policy published last December highlights how we are encouraging competition within the defence sector, maximising opportunities for SMEs. For example, we have produced new short-form contracts that make it easier for SMEs to bid into MOD opportunities.