Non-disclosure Agreements 2020-11-02
2020-11-02
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Kevan Jones inquired about the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) within his Department's defence programmes, focusing on recent trends and necessity.
What recent assessment has been made of trends in the number of non-disclosure agreements used within my Department's defence programmes? I am concerned that these NDAs are being overused when they should be an exception.
The Ministry of Defence only uses non-disclosure agreements in its commercial arrangements by exception, when there is a specific need. Although no trend analysis has been undertaken, it remains the case that NDAs are only used where absolutely necessary.
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Assessment & feedback
No trend analysis has been undertaken and no specifics on current usage trends or necessity of NDAs were provided.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns are raised about NDAs used in pre-bid stages, potentially restricting companies' ability to engage with Members of Parliament or Ministers. US primes like Boeing and Lockheed Martin reportedly refuse such agreements.
I accept that NDAs are important for financial contractual obligations, but is the Minister aware that his Department is asking industry at the pre-bid stage to sign NDAs that actually exclude companies from speaking to MPs or Ministers? I understand some US primes like Boeing and Lockheed Martin are refusing to sign these NDAs. Why is this happening?
I am not aware of any company complaining about NDAs. If the right hon. Gentleman is aware of some, I would really encourage those companies to get in contact with me directly and I will take it up.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific issue regarding NDAs preventing communication was not addressed; instead, the Minister invited complaints without addressing current practices or reasons behind them.
Response accuracy