Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Defence Equipment Programme

Monday 1 February 2021 · 3 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

  • Minister is implementing changes through the acquisition transformation scheme to improve cost controls in the defence equipment programme.
  • Minister will ensure investment in new capabilities to address emerging security threats through the integrated review.
  • No direct commitment was given to publish the industry's prioritised list of funding options for transparency and accountability.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Nick Smith Lab Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney
Defence
Context

The MP is concerned about cost overruns and inefficiencies in the defence programme, citing the need for better management to ensure fiscal responsibility.

Question

What steps he is taking to improve cost controls within the defence equipment programme. I am concerned about the escalating costs and difficulties in agreeing priorities, which has led to significant overspending and inefficiency in our defence projects.

Answer from Jeremy Quin

We are implementing changes through the acquisition transformation scheme to improve cost controls. Through the outline strategic case, we are ensuring that the right expertise is brought together at the outset, so that projects are properly risk assessed and, with the right commercial expertise available, set up for success.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide specific measures or timelines for improvements in cost controls.

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Q2 Tan Dhesi Lab Slough
Defence
Context

The National Audit Office has concluded that the defence equipment plan remains unaffordable for the fourth consecutive year, despite increased funding. The MP is concerned about ensuring this investment delivers necessary capabilities without disappearing into a black hole.

Question

While the extra money for defence is to be welcomed, how will the Minister ensure that the investment does not simply disappear into a black hole but delivers on the new capabilities we need as a nation to deal with emerging security threats? The NAO has concluded that the plan remains unaffordable for the fourth year in a row.

Answer from Jeremy Quin

We need to invest in the right capabilities to meet the threats of the future. This is being undertaken through the integrated review, which will set out the overarching strategic priorities for the Government in meeting the needs of this country across a broad spectrum of foreign affairs and defence.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide specific strategies or mechanisms to ensure effective utilisation of funding.

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Q3 Nick Smith Lab Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney
Defence
Context

The NAO states that industry has a prioritised list of funding options following a multi-criteria decision analysis exercise, suggesting this could be valuable in ensuring proper allocation of resources.

Question

Will the Minister commit to publishing that list of priorities? The industry has a prioritised list of funding options which sounds worthwhile and it would be beneficial if these were published for transparency and accountability.

Answer from Jeremy Quin

It is from that strategic set of decisions that we need then to ensure that our procurement follows. The outcome of the integrated review will set out these priorities, but no direct commitment to publishing the industry's prioritised list was given.

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to publishing the industry's prioritised list and instead referred to an upcoming strategic review.

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