Military Procurement Standards 2023-01-30
2023-01-30
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted ongoing criticisms of MOD's procurement processes, including cost overruns and slow delivery. He referenced the National Audit Office's annual critiques over 21 years.
What steps his Department is taking to improve military procurement standards given ongoing criticisms over cost overruns, slow delivery, and an inability to control costs?
Defence procurement is some of the most complex in government. Our defence and security industrial strategy will see industry, Government and academia working closer together, while fundamentally reforming regulations to improve acquisition speed and incentivise innovation and productivity. Acquisition reforms aim to drive pace and agility into procurement.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address specific steps to rectify issues mentioned by NAO reports
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP acknowledged the need for increased defence spending but highlighted consistent criticisms of MOD's procurement efficiency and effectiveness over the past two decades.
Does he agree that we need to address issues such as budget adherence, identification of military needs, quality of equipment, delivery times, cost control, and corporate culture if we are to remain a tier 1 power?
I absolutely agree. We aim to live within our means by coming in on budget or under budget for the second year in a row. It is challenging dealing with long-term projects while adhering to annual Treasury budgets.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not fully address all specific issues raised, focusing more on context and challenges
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP expressed concerns about the impact of delays in defence programmes on UK's ability to meet NATO commitments.
What specifically is he doing to ensure that the UK will meet our UK NATO obligations, especially regarding military readiness?
We are still on track to maintain above 2% of GDP on defence spending. We need to improve delivery times for major complex programmes, collaborate more, and avoid over-specification.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific actions directly addressing NATO obligations
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP acknowledged UK's high standards in defence procurement and questioned the importance of similar levels of transparency with international partners, especially Ukraine.
When cooperating with our international friends, allies and partners—particularly Ukraine—does he agree that it is vital they have similar levels of transparency in their defence procurement?
It is important for the public to get a sense of where donations are going and how they are being used. We ensure that supply chains are supported to surge at times of need rather than take months or years to reopen them.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly answer the question about transparency with Ukraine
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted a strategic error made by previous Governments regarding the delay in ordering new nuclear submarines, which affected capacity and readiness.
Does he accept that the failure to place orders for new nuclear submarines between 2010 and 2016 was a major strategic error?
I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman. I will do a deal with him if he admits that is not the only example: we have all made strategic errors in our defence policies in the last two decades, because the Treasury has worked in the short term.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly answer whether it was a major strategic error or not
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted the Secretary of State's commissioning of an independent review by Clive Sheldon KC into the Ajax programme.
Has he yet received the report? When does he intend to publish it? Can he promise the House that he will do so in full and unredacted?
The Minister for Defence Procurement informs me the report is coming imminently. I will read it and make sure findings are shared with the House, subject to security concerns. Ajax is now starting the next phase of trials after passing user viability trials up to Christmas.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit fully to publishing in full and unredacted
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The MOD procured services for defence housing and accommodation, with poor performance reported since December 2022. The issue of poor repair and service continues to affect personnel.
Since my urgent question in December 2022, there have been more cases of poor repair and service regarding defence housing. Can the Secretary of State say whether the procurement process is fit for purpose and whether he has confidence in the current providers?
The MOD monitors individual cases weekly. There are successes in some areas, but work is still needed on mould and dampness. The Minister for Defence Procurement meets providers regularly to review contracts and take steps if a better standard is not achieved.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific confidence in current providers was not directly addressed
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The MOD spent £144 million on private contractors for maintaining service families' accommodation, yet many homes are still awaiting repairs despite previous Minister's admission of poor value for taxpayer money.
Why did the MOD sign contracts that do not represent value for taxpayer money? When will all troops have a home fit for heroes?
We aim to ensure our armed forces personnel have fit homes. Issues existed even when service was in-house. The MOD monitors cases, holds providers accountable, seeks compensation for those suffering, and works on improving the situation with better helpline manning and quicker responses.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific timeline or concrete actions to ensure homes are fit for heroes were provided
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
Multiple major MOD projects are late or over budget, leading to taxpayers' concern about bonuses given to executives of failing agencies like the Submarine Delivery Agency.
How can the Secretary of State justify giving six-figure bonuses to executives of failing MOD agencies? What steps will be taken to rectify these remuneration packages?
Payments represent new appointments aiming to improve the Submarine Delivery Agency's performance. The agency faces challenges with maintenance, dry docks, and availability issues but is being turned around by a capable workforce.
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Assessment & feedback
No justification for bonuses or specific steps to rectify remuneration packages were provided
Response accuracy