Defence Budget

Lord Hennessy of Nympsfield Excerpts

Monday 14th May 2012 Lords Chamber

[Lord Astor of Hever]

My Lords, I cannot give my noble friend those figures today, but I will be able to do so very soon.

[Lord Hennessy of Nympsfield]

My Lords, I add my thanks to the Minister for his Statement and particularly welcome the firm place that he gave to the successor submarines in the long-term costing and programme. Reverting to the question asked by my noble and gallant friend Lord Stirrup, when will we get the report of Mr Bernard Gray, Chief of Defence Materiel, on the options for structuring future procurement operations? I think it was completed several months ago; it was ready at the end of last year. Some of us have been awaiting it with keen anticipation.

[Lord Astor of Hever]

I am also waiting with keen anticipation. I cannot give the noble Lord a date, but as soon as I hear one, I will let him know.