§ 15. Mr. Gordon MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the impact of Government procurement and support on the defence industry and employment among subcontractors in the north-west. [40911]
§ Dr. MoonieIn 1998–99, around £1.2 billion or some 14.5 per cent. of total defence equipment expenditure was placed with companies in the north-west, sustaining an estimated 11,000 jobs. This figure reflects jobs which arise directly from equipment contracts placed by the Ministry of Defence. In addition, work will have been placed with suppliers in the north-west on a sub-contract basis, but regional estimates for sub-contracting are not maintained.