Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment his Department has made of the effect on (a) long-term investment in the UK Armoured Fighting Vehicle industry and (b) value for money for UK taxpayers of decisions to acquire such vehicles, without competition, under the Foreign Military Sales procedure; and if he will make a statement.

The Ministry of Defence has committed to spending over £178 billion on equipment and equipment support for the Armed Forces between 2016 and 2026, which will provide our Armed Forces with the equipment they need to deliver the levels of military capability set out in the Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015. This includes military vehicles, and as our approach remains competitive procurement within the supply chain where possible, UK companies can secure business at the prime and sub-contractor level, unless the value for money case proves that other routes such as Foreign Military Sales provide a better deal for UK taxpayers.