Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the (a) future of the Harland and Wolf shipyard in Belfast and (b) contract for three Fleet Solid Support Ships.

Ministry of Defence Ministers and officials have regular meetings with counterparts in other Government Departments, including with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, on a range of matters, including the future of Harland & Wolff's shipyards.

The successful delivery of the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ship programme remains a priority. There is extensive engagement with Navantia UK as the Prime Contractor to understand what steps the company is taking to ensure delivery of the FSS contract and management of its supply chain.