Oral Answers to Questions

Mary Glindon Excerpts

Monday 26th November 2018 Commons Chamber

[Stuart Andrew]

I am not going to comment on what other countries do.

[Mary Glindon (North Tyneside) (Lab)]

12. What recent assessment he has made of the quality of service provided under outsourced departmental contracts.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Stuart Andrew)]

The MOD regularly monitors the performance of all its contractors, including outsourced services. That is carried out through the robust monitoring of contract performance indicators and taking action as appropriate where standards are not met.

[Mary Glindon]

Despite the fact that Capita has failed to fulfil its contract for Army recruitment, letting down both the Army and the taxpayer, the Government are now tendering to outsource veterans’ services as well. Does the Minister consider that the Government should be directly consulting and rewarding our veterans rather than multinational defence contractors who have proved time and again that they are incapable of delivering?

[Stuart Andrew]

I recognise there have been challenges in the Capita contract, but we are working closely with Capita on an improvement plan. We will always ensure that we do everything we can to support our veterans, and I know the Under-Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth East (Mr Ellwood) will be working day in, day out to support that.