Aerospace Industry

Lord Craig of Radley Excerpts

Monday 5th December 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord De Mauley]

My Lords, my noble friend is absolutely right. The Government are certainly focused on that issue.

[Lord Craig of Radley]

Can the Minister confirm that the purchase of the F35 Joint Strike Fighter for the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force is essential for the future viability of British and other aerospace systems, essential to the security of the skilled workforce and essential to the Treasury for the tax take that will come from worldwide sale of this aircraft?

[Lord De Mauley]

My Lords, I cannot give the noble and gallant Lord the assurance he is seeking, but I can say that we are absolutely aware that the first responsibility when procuring equipment is to provide our Armed Forces with the capabilities they require at a cost that is affordable and represents best value for money for the taxpayer.