HC Deb 17 June 1980 vol 986 cc1316-7
2. Mr. Barry Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what measures he is taking to secure value for money in defence spending.

The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Francis Pym)

I am determined that the Ministry of Defence shall play its full part in increasing efficiency and seeking value for money. A number of measures to achieve this aim have been taken and they were described in the recent defence debate. Others are under consideration.

Mr. Jones

How efficient and ruthless is the right hon. Gentleman about controlling his officials, whose schemes have led to a gargantuan £11 billion defence budget? Does he frequently tell his Department that every mistake and example of wastefulness takes millions of pounds away from schoolchildren and pensioners?

Mr. Pym

The Department and I are well aware of the size of the budget and of our responsibility for it. From the moment that I arrived in office, I have waged a war for greater efficiency, and I have undertaken several studies dealing with certain aspects of the Department. Other studies are in hand, which will cover more than one-third of the Department. It is a constant responsibility. Senior officials, civil servants and I vigorously tackle inefficiency. We do the best that we can.

Mr. Goodhew

Will my right hon. Friend assure the House that we shall continue our endeavours to gain a 3 per cent. increase in real terms, as agreed with our NATO allies?

Mr. Pym

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that question. It is important that that increase is achieved throughout the Alliance. It is our clear intention and aim to fulfil our part of that responsibility.

Mr. James Lamond

Is the Secretary of State satisfied that the £920 million that is being spent on the development of the Stingray torpedo is not being wasted ? Is it not possible that we shall ultimately have a weapon that is far in excess of our needs?

Mr. Pym

When the weapon is put into service it will not be in excess of our needs. It is fair to say that it took nearly the whole of the 1970s to develop this highly sophisticated weapon. During that time there was a series of underestimates as regards the cost. The programme was not particularly smooth. However, that is in the past. The Government and I had to make an assessment about its future, and we concluded that it was right to go ahead. It has proved quite expensive, but there is no doubt about its need.

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