Oral Answers to Questions

Leo Docherty Excerpts

Monday 23rd April 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr Marcus Fysh (Yeovil) (Con)]

15. What recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on future funding for his Department.

[Leo Docherty (Aldershot) (Con)]

17. What recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on future funding for his Department.

[Eleanor Smith (Wolverhampton South West) (Lab)]

19. What recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the adequacy of funding for his Department.

--- Later in debate ---

[Gavin Williamson]

My hon. Friend is a strong advocate on this issue and a defender of jobs in his constituency. We are committed to spending more than £3 billion with Leonardo over the next 10 years, but I would be very happy to meet him to discuss how we can develop our strategy. It is about not just manned rotary but unmanned rotary. What are the options and opportunities that we can exploit to ensure that our world-leading industry continues to hold that top spot?

[Leo Docherty]

I am very grateful for the progress that the Secretary of State is making in securing additional funding for defence. As these discussions continue, will he reassure the House that the needs of our enhanced forward presence in Estonia will be taken into consideration and that they will receive the fire power and protection they need?

[Gavin Williamson]

I can assure my hon. Friend of that. I recently visited our enhanced forward presence in Estonia and it is pleasing to be able to announce that we will be adding to that presence, with more Wildcats stationed there to support operations. An additional 70 personnel will join them.