Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Medium-sized Helicopter Industry

Monday 20 November 2023 · 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

  • The medium-sized helicopter industry in the south-west is supported through investment in rotary capability.
  • Past and current investment in rotary capability ensures the UK industrial base can support existing and future helicopter platforms.
  • The invitation to negotiate for the medium-sized helicopter is intended to be issued by the end of December, pending final cross-Government approval.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Loder
Defence
Context

The medium-sized helicopter industry in the south-west is seeking government support to sustain its operations and future growth.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to help support the medium-sized helicopter industry in the south-west. Helicopters form an important part of our integrated operating concept, with investment in rotary capability supporting existing and future platforms.

Answer from James Cartlidge

Helicopters form an important part of our integrated operating concept. Through past and current investment in rotary capability, the UK industrial base remains well placed to support existing and future helicopter platforms. Positive progress is being made towards the next stage of the competition with the three downselected suppliers: Airbus Helicopters UK, Leonardo Helicopters UK and Lockheed Martin UK.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific steps being taken by his Department to support the medium-sized helicopter industry in the south-west were not detailed.

How: Helicopters Form An Important Part Of Our Integrated Operating Concept.

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Q2 Chris Loder
Defence
Context

The medium-sized helicopter industry in the south-west is awaiting a crucial invitation to negotiate for its future.

Question

Can my hon. Friend confirm that the invitation to negotiate for the medium-sized helicopter will indeed be issued by the end of December? We are keen to get on with this, and that is certainly our intention.

Answer from James Cartlidge

I am grateful to my hon. Friend. We are keen to get on with this, and that is certainly our intention. At the moment, we are in the process of securing final cross-Government approval. As I said, that is our aim, but I cannot absolutely guarantee it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The exact timing of the invitation to negotiate was not confirmed with certainty.

How: We Are Keen To Get On With This, And That Is Certainly Our Intention.

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