Helicopter Supply Chain 2021-11-15
2021-11-15
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the UK's helicopter supply chain and its impact on defence.
What steps his Department is taking to help ensure the resilience of the helicopter supply chain in the UK. Specifically, he asks about Leonardo's £1 billion investment proposition for a global centre of military excellence in Yeovil.
We work closely with the defence industry through the defence suppliers forum and are engaged with the cross-Government global supply chains initiative to improve resilience in public procurement. The MOD is investing in emerging technology, utilising the UK's strong industrial and research base. We welcome Leonardo's investment in West Dorset.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify how the government will secure more transformational industrial innovation specifically for Leonardo's proposal or future projects.
Working Closely With Industry
Utilising Uk Research Base
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about job protection and skilled jobs for the Leonardo helicopter manufacturing facility.
Will the Government deliver on their responsibility to support workers in rural communities and protect skilled jobs in the United Kingdom? Will he assure the House that the Puma-replacement contract will be awarded to a UK-based company?
The MOD reforms allow us to prioritise social value, including levelling up and UK skills. We welcome Leonardo's investment in West Dorset and aim to listen to all British workers. The new medium-lift helicopter will be awarded through a competition with details provided soon, expected delivery by 2025.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly commit to the Puma-replacement contract going to a UK-based company or explicitly support Leonardo's Yeovil investment proposition.
Listening To All British Workers
Reforming Procurement
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the MOD's poor track record in meeting procurement targets.
Given that not one of the top 36 MOD procurement programmes worth £150 billion is fully on track, who will accept personal responsibility? When will the Secretary of State bring in the Cabinet Office to clean up the MOD's mess?
While acknowledging repeated procurement problems, I am determined to make reforms. We will get on top of these issues with tight timetables and enforcement. Meetings can be held to discuss solutions.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify when or how the Cabinet Office would intervene in MOD procurement processes.
Determined To Get On Top Of Issues
Willing To Meet
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the MOD's track record in fulfilling contracts and the impact on procurement.
Why, given the evidence that the MOD has difficulty in fulfilling its contracts, is he confident that the new medium-lift helicopter will be ready by 2025? How long will it take for the Ministry of Defence to address NAO reports?
I am confident about 2025 due to expected bidders providing mature products with European content. Defence procurement programmes are long-term, changing plans mid-way incurs costs or delays.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify how the Ministry will take NAO reports seriously and act on them immediately.
Expected Bidders With Mature Products
Long-Term Procurement Impacts
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is pleased about Leonardo's £1 billion investment proposition for a global centre of military excellence in Yeovil.
I welcome Leonardo's investment in West Dorset and in UK manufacturing as a whole. The defence and security industrial strategy will ensure that the UK can continue to have competitive, innovative and world-class defence and security industries. The MOD is investing in emerging technology, utilising the UK's strong industrial and research base.
The MOD is committed to competitive, innovative defence industries. We welcome Leonardo's investment in West Dorset and aim to utilise UK's strong industrial base.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not explicitly commit to supporting Leonardo's specific Yeovil investment proposition.
Commitment To Competitive Defence Industries
Utilising Uk'S Strong Industrial Base
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The defence procurement landscape has raised concerns about the replacement of the ageing Puma fleet with a new medium-lift helicopter by 2025. There are multiple contractors interested in this contract, including Airbus and Leonardo.
If the defence procurement landscape were more positive, we might have some confidence in the Secretary of State's reassurances, but 2025 is not far away. Can he prompt the procurement exercise for the new medium-lift helicopter to replace the ageing Puma fleet, or at least clarify the pedestrian progress of this operational priority to date? Multiple 'primes', including Airbus with its 175M and Leonardo, will be looking to compete for this work as well as US contractors. We need to be able to scrutinise these contractors and their bids sooner rather than later to ensure that, no matter who wins this contract, the economic impact is enjoyed across these islands and not simply in the south-west of England.
I hear what the hon. Gentleman says. He will know from the shipbuilding industry in Scotland that there is a huge benefit for shipbuilding in Govan, Scotstoun and Rosyth. I am very keen to make sure that all the prosperity of the defence pound is spread around the United Kingdom. Lots of jobs are attached to all different types of projects whether they are 'primes' or supporting contracts through things such as radar and sonar.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific request about prompting the procurement exercise for the new medium-lift helicopter or clarifying its progress.
Response accuracy