Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Northern Ireland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Lady Hermon Excerpts
Wednesday 25th November 2015

(8 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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Order. I can scarcely hear the Minister’s mellifluous tones, partly because there is too much noise and partly because the Minister understandably looked back at the person whom he was answering. His full visage should face the House—I feel sure that the House will benefit.

Lady Hermon Portrait Lady Hermon (North Down) (Ind)
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Will the Minister commit to meeting senior representatives of Northern Ireland companies who have serious concerns about delays and waste in the UK’s defence procurement procedures?

Ben Wallace Portrait Mr Wallace
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As a former aerospace worker, I know the extent to which delay can damage the supply chain. Under the leadership of our Defence Procurement Minister, we have improved defence procurement since I was working in aerospace and the previous Government were awarding contracts. I would be delighted to meet the heads of the hon. Lady’s businesses, and to ensure that they are getting an efficient service from the contracting Departments and that more business is done in Northern Ireland.