House of Commons · General Debate
10 September 2020 · 3 other contributors
Opened by Philip Hollobone Con Kettering
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Philip Hollobone raised concerns about public accounts commission in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The National Audit Office's June 2020 report highlighted significant delays and uncertainties in the Carrier Strike programme, including an 18-month delay for the Crowsnest radar system, unavailability of crucial new support ships until the end of the decade, and a shortfall in ordered Lightning jets. The MOD also lacks clarity on lifetime costs. Philip Hollobone seeks to ensure full parliamentary scrutiny of the report.
The National Audit Office's June report examined the Ministry of Defence’s management of carrier strike and identified risks involved in achieving its capabilities. Richard Bacon notes that while the Public Accounts Commission does not get involved in specific reports, it is interested in ensuring that the NAO's work meets Parliament’s needs.
The Crowsnest radar system is 18 months late and only 48 of the required 138 Lightning jets have been ordered. Crucial new support ships will not be available until the end of the decade, and lifetime costs remain uncertain. Hollobone calls for comprehensive examination through full parliamentary scrutiny.
In response to Philip Hollobone’s concerns about progress, Richard Bacon confirms that the Public Accounts Committee will take evidence on the carrier strike report from the National Audit Office in September.