Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department has taken to double the efficiency savings in the Equipment Plan 2019-2029 compared with the previous cost forecast.

The Ministry of Defence is embedding an improved approach to identifying and developing efficiencies through its Transformation programme, which will allow greater insight into the risks and maturity of efficiencies, including those within the Equipment Plan. We are also taking practical steps in the management of our equipment projects to encourage efficiency, for example improving commercial negotiation and project management skills. The increase in forecast efficiency delivery reported is due to benefits resulting from these changes, including new initiatives identified, the increased maturity of existing plans to reduce cost, and improvements in our understanding of their potential financial benefits.