Defence Helicopters Domestic Manufacture 2020-09-21
2020-09-21
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil, a major employer, has recently announced redundancies.
What steps he is taking to support the domestic manufacture of defence helicopters. Many of my constituents work for Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil, where recent redundancies have been announced. This raises concern about Ministry of Defence (MOD) plans affecting the company's future.
The Department supports UK helicopter manufacturing and defence industry broadly. Over the next decade, we plan to spend over £180 billion on equipment and support, including around £10.9 billion for helicopter capability. The redundancies at Leonardo Helicopters do not relate to MOD work but rather a company decision to maintain financial stability. We continue supporting Leonardo's Merlin and Wildcat helicopters and its export efforts.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps to support Leonardo Helicopters were not detailed beyond general industry support and assurances about the redundancies' cause.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Recent redundancies at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil have raised concerns among constituents about the company's financial health and its future MOD contracts.
Many of my constituents in West Dorset work for Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil, where redundancies have recently been announced. This is a matter of great concern to me, my constituents, and those of my hon. Friend the Member for Yeovil (Mr Fysh). What specific actions is the Minister taking to support this company?
I share my hon. Friend's concern and can reassure him that those redundancies do not stem from MOD plans but rather a company decision for financial stability. We continue actively working with Leonardo on its Merlin and Wildcat helicopters and support its export drives, including recent efforts in Poland.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide specific measures or commitments to support Leonardo Helicopters beyond reassurance about the cause of redundancies.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The shadow Secretary of State committed to procuring British-made defence equipment and ensuring job security in West Dorset.
Will the Minister ask the Secretary of State to match the commitment made by the shadow Secretary of State, my right hon. Friend the Member for Wentworth and Dearne (John Healey), to procure “built in Britain” equipment? This would ensure no redundancies in West Dorset and support awarding the £1.5 billion fleet solid support vessels contract to a British consortium, creating 2,500 UK jobs.
We are proud to support British companies and the entire UK defence sector. Over £19.2 billion was given to UK companies in 2018-19 for our defence needs, delivered through the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy (DSIS). More details will be shared with the House when it is released later this year.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not commit to procuring British-made equipment or match the shadow Secretary of State's commitment, instead focusing on past support for UK companies and future plans.
Response accuracy