Lord Beamish
Main Page: Lord Beamish (Labour - Life peer)
Mr Kevan Jones (North Durham) (Lab)
On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. At Defence questions, the Secretary of State announced that he was going to lay a written ministerial statement tomorrow on the future of Defence Equipment and Support—the equipment arm of the Ministry of Defence. He said that a decision had been taken to run the organisation by a Government-owned, contractor-operated model. This decision has been the subject of debate, delay, review and speculation over the last two years. In the light of how important this matter is—not only to those working in the defence sector but to many Members—is it right for it to be announced through a written ministerial statement rather than an oral statement and on the last day before the House rises for the summer recess, as it denies us the opportunity to scrutinise this very important decision?
Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle)
The hon. Member has put his point on the record, and I am sure that the Secretary of State for Defence will be made aware of his comments.