Scottish Independence: Faslane

Lord Foulkes of Cumnock Excerpts

Monday 3rd March 2014 Lords Chamber

[Lord Astor of Hever]

My noble friend makes a very good point. The Ministry of Defence spent more than £20 billion with UK industry in 2011-12, with a £160 billion, 10-year equipment programme. Companies based in an independent Scotland would no longer be eligible for contracts that the UK chose to place domestically for national security reasons. Where they could continue to compete, they would be pitching for business in an international market dominated by major economic powers.

[Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Lab)]

My Lords, does the Minister not understand that this is an important matter, and that there is a big difference between pre-negotiation and contingency planning?

[Lord Astor of Hever]

My Lords, I cannot add anything to what I have already said.