§ 21. Ms SquireTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions she has had with the Defence Secretary concerning defence-related employment in Scotland. [159310]
§ Mrs. LiddellI have regular contact with the Ministry of Defence on a range of issues. Scotland continues to benefit, directly and indirectly, from Ministry of Defence employment and spending. On the basis of the most recent figures available, defence expenditure in Scotland is estimated at approximately £1.8 billion and supports, directly and indirectly, approximately 60,000 jobs. Clearly defence expenditure is both substantial and important to the Scottish economy.