Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Oral Answers to Questions

Mark Spencer Excerpts
Monday 8th June 2015

(9 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Michael Fallon Portrait Michael Fallon
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This House voted on the renewal of Trident with an overwhelming majority back in January—I think the largest majority for some years. I am very happy to set out in the House the details of the current expenditure. I think about £3 billion has been earmarked so far. I think, from memory, about £1.5 billion has been spent so far, but if I am wrong I will write to the hon. Gentleman.

Mark Spencer Portrait Mark Spencer (Sherwood) (Con)
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T10. What military assistance is being provided by the Department in the Mediterranean and north Africa to help with humanitarian disasters?

Michael Fallon Portrait Michael Fallon
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HMS Bulwark and three Merlin helicopters are conducting search and rescue in the Mediterranean. To date, they have rescued 2,909 migrants from the sea. I hope the whole House will pay tribute to the professionalism and bravery of those involved in this extraordinarily large rescue mission. As well as rescuing those at sea, we now need to address this problem further back by tackling the trafficking gangs who are making money out of this misery, and discouraging people from leaving their countries to make this long and very dangerous journey.