Shipbuilding on the Clyde Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Shipbuilding on the Clyde

Paula Sherriff Excerpts
Monday 25th April 2016

(7 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Philip Dunne Portrait Mr Dunne
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My hon. Friend is right to highlight the gear box work for David Brown, which, as I said earlier, has secured long-lead contracts last month. The benefit of the Royal Navy shipbuilding programme is not confined to Scotland; it affects constituencies right across this country, which is just as it should be. When contracts are placed, we will seek to highlight to hon. Members the work we will be providing in their constituencies for their constituents.

Paula Sherriff Portrait Paula Sherriff (Dewsbury) (Lab)
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Amid the politics, perhaps the House could remember the estimated 800 families for whom, with their livelihoods at risk, this is a very worrying time. Will the Minister confirm that the promised investment in upgrading the shipyards will still go ahead?

Philip Dunne Portrait Mr Dunne
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I hope that some of the remarks I made earlier will provide some reassurance to the families of those who work on the Clyde. Part of the contracts we have already signed with BAE Systems will help to provide shore test facilities both on the Clyde and through the supply chain, so some investment is going into facilities. The overall level of facilities investment will be part of the overall contract, so I cannot update the hon. Lady further at this point.