Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tristram Hunt and Harriett Baldwin

Monday 12th September 2016 Commons Chamber

[Harriett Baldwin]

I thank the hon. Gentleman for mentioning apprenticeships and our commitment to continuing to work with our single-source suppliers. We can clearly see that they are some of the lead providers of apprenticeships across the defence procurement area.

[Tristram Hunt (Stoke-on-Trent Central) (Lab)]

9. What recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of his Department’s support for commercial applications of UK military research.

--- Later in debate ---

[Tristram Hunt (Stoke-on-Trent Central) (Lab)]

T2. Easat Radar Systems in Stoke-on-Trent is a cutting-edge business supplying coastal-based radar surveying UK waters and exporting round the world. This is the kind of British-based defence manufacturing we need as Russia continues to test our defences and security concerns about breaches to our coastline grow. The Minister for Defence Procurement is already coming to Stafford. I invite her to come to Stoke-on-Trent afterwards to visit Easat Radar Systems to give the business the support it deserves.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Harriett Baldwin)]

The hon. Gentleman is a doughty champion of businesses in Stoke-on-Trent. I know that the Secretary of State has already offered a meeting with businesses in that constituency, and I look forward to hearing more about the particular one he mentioned in his question.