§ 6. Mrs. Betty Williams (Conwy)If he will make a statement on the Government's smart procurement initiative. [36262]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. John Spellar)Smart procurement is a ruthless examination, in conjunction with industry, of how value for money from our procurement programme can be improved to ensure faster, cheaper and better delivery 9 of our future requirements. Our improved business practices will be good news for the armed forces, for industry and for the taxpayer.
§ Mrs. WilliamsCan my hon. Friend assure the House that, whatever the outcome, the strategic defence review will reform the way in which we procure equipment for our forces, and will eliminate as far as possible cost overruns, delays and waste, which were the hallmarks of the previous Tory Government?
§ Mr. SpellarWe are all very much aware of the reports from the National Audit Office on cost and time overruns. They have made embarrassing reading not only for Government but for industry as well. We aim to reform that process and get to our armed forces the right kit, at the right time, at the right price.
§ Sir Geoffrey Johnson Smith (Wealden)The Government will be aware of the growing serious threat from long-range ballistic missile systems. Can the Minister confirm that the Government are seriously examining the possibility of setting up a national ballistic defence system?
§ Mr. SpellarYes, I can certainly assure the right hon. Gentleman that we are keeping this matter constantly under review and are undertaking the necessary studies to that effect.