Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Oral Answers to Questions

Kevin Brennan Excerpts
Monday 8th November 2010

(13 years, 12 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Peter Luff Portrait Peter Luff
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It is certainly the case that ensuring sovereignty in the use of our armed forces often requires specific industrial capabilities to be maintained in the UK. That often involves research and development. However, I must emphasise that competition in the global market remains our preferred means of acquiring equipment at the best value for money, which means buying off the shelf where possible. I freely acknowledge that the issue is complex, which is exactly why we will consult formally on it in the Green Paper to which I referred.

Kevin Brennan Portrait Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab)
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Could the effectiveness of defence research possibly have been enhanced if we had had a defence training college? The Minister will know of the bitter disappointment in south Wales about the announcement in the comprehensive spending review. What can he tell the House about the potential future of that development?

Peter Luff Portrait Peter Luff
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The hon. Gentleman is ingenious in his use of his supplementary question. That is not a matter for which I am technically responsible, but I can reassure him that we are still examining carefully the consequences of the decision. That is all I can say at present, I am afraid.