Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Philip Dunne and Kelvin Hopkins

Monday 23rd November 2015 Commons Chamber

[Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab)]

10. What his policy is on ensuring the use of UK-produced steel in items procured by his Department.

[The Minister for Defence Procurement (Mr Philip Dunne)]

Steel is sourced by our contractors from a range of UK and international suppliers, reflecting the need to ensure a competitive price and delivery at the required time and quality. UK suppliers have provided significant quantities of steel for major defence equipment procurement programmes, whenever they have been able to meet specified standards. Our new Government guidelines, published last month, will help UK steel suppliers to compete effectively with international suppliers for major projects, including those in defence.

[Mr Dunne]

I am sure the hon. Gentleman will agree that the steel that is specified needs to be the steel that can do the job. We are open-minded about who can supply that, but we are adopting the new Government guidelines. For the offshore patrol vessels, some 20% of the requirement—about 775 tonnes—was sourced through UK steel mills.

[Kelvin Hopkins]

Public procurement policies should seek to assist British industry, especially steel. It is clear that other countries support their own industries in that way. Why not Britain?

[Mr Dunne]

That is why the Government have set up the steel procurement working group, chaired by the Minister for the Cabinet Office. The Ministry of Defence is sitting on that group. We are seeking to ensure that future orders are open to UK firms to tender.