Mr. O'NeillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of his staff are engaged in monitoring how 253W changes in the defence industrial base influence its ability to meet the requirements of British armed forces in the event of war.
§ Mr. SainsburyAll staff involved in procuring equipment for the armed forces are aware of the importance of safeguarding vital sources of supply and of the military need for specific industrial capabilities. The potential effects of industrial procurement decisions on the defence industrial base are examined on a case-by-case basis.
Mr. O'NeillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria exist for determining the ability of the United Kingdom defence industrial base to meet the wartime needs of his Department.
§ Mr. SainsburyOur procurement policy supports deterrence by providing our armed forces at all times with effective and reliable equipment. Value for money considerations include the ability of the United Kingdom defence industrial base to meet both or present and potential future requirements, as described in defence Open Government Document 83/01.