Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Defence Manufacturing: Covid-19 Support

Monday 2 November 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Geraint Davies inquired about bringing forward equipment procurement decisions to support the defence manufacturing industry during the covid-19 outbreak.
  • The Minister confirmed ongoing dialogue with defence manufacturers and continued procurement orders throughout the crisis.
  • The Minister highlighted efforts to support cash flow for companies and suppliers, and encouraged primes to support their supply chains.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Geraint Davies Lab
Defence
Context

The defence manufacturing industry faces challenges due to the ongoing pandemic.

Question

If he will bring forward equipment procurement decisions to support the defence manufacturing industry during the covid-19 outbreak. I am concerned about the impact of delays in procurement on the defence manufacturing sector and its workers.

Answer from Jeremy Quin

We have maintained a close and ongoing dialogue with defence manufacturers throughout the pandemic to ensure that companies are effectively supported. I am pleased to confirm that orders have continued to be placed throughout the crisis.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not specify bringing forward procurement decisions, only confirming ongoing support.

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Q2 Geraint Davies Lab
Wales Business & Trade
Context

Airbus and Tata Steel are strategically important to the Welsh economy, but face challenges due to procurement delays.

Question

Airbus and Tata Steel in Neath Port Talbot are strategically important to the Welsh economy. Is the Minister ensuring that procurement is brought forward in terms of buying aircraft and building ships to help British steel and Airbus? Boeing, for example, has a lot of orders in America that supports it as a primary competitor, and we see such support in Europe as well. What is the Minister doing for Airbus and Tata Steel?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

There are elements of programmes that are being brought forward. The prime focus now, however, is on supporting the cash flow of the companies and suppliers. We have the means of doing so and we have been doing so. We have also been encouraging primes to support their own supply chains. From what I hear from trade bodies, that has been happening. I am pleased by the way the whole of industry has leant in during this ongoing pandemic and the support they have been given right the way across.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not specifically commit to bringing forward procurement for Airbus and Tata Steel, only general support measures.

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