§ 11. Mr. HendryTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the competitiveness of the United Kingdom defence industry. [16848]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotAs a result of its own efforts, and of the competition and procurement policies of the Government, the United Kingdom defence industry is strong and highly competitive. That is evident in its export success. In 1995, it won an estimated 19 per cent. of the world export market, worth £5,000 million.
§ Mr. HendryDoes my hon. Friend agree that defence exports are an excellent example of the British Government and British industry working together in the interests of Britain and of our friends and allies overseas? Does my hon. Friend further agree that half a million people depend on the defence industry for their jobs in this country because its expertise and the quality of the work force are second to none? Is it not the case that if Labour policies—which would question the use of every single set of nuts and bolts—were put in place, those half a million jobs would be at risk?
§ Mr. ArbuthnotThat is the case. Given the recent call by the Transport and General Workers Union to cut defence spending by £18 billion a year, few export jobs would be available in those circumstances. My hon. Friend is right to say that the defence industry's success rests on a unique partnership between British industry, the British Government and the British armed services—who do a fantastic job in supporting our defence industry's exports abroad. We are well served by forces such as the Red Arrows and the Royal Navy—whose ships go to large number of places.