§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what policies(a) initiated and (b) managed by his Department since 2001 have had an impact on Pendle; and if he will make a statement. [124089]
§ Mr. CaplinThe purpose of the Ministry of Defence is to provide the capabilities needed to defend the United Kingdom and Overseas Territories, and protect British people and interests, as well as act as a force for good by strengthening international peace and security. Defence is a national activity and as such policy initiatives and spending are characterised as in the regions rather than for the regions.
While the MOD makes a positive contribution to the community through the management of a Cadet Hut at Butts Yard, Barnoldswick, there are no other Defence establishments in the constituency. Some of our policies may have an indirect effect on people and organisations in Pendle, e.g. recruitment to the armed forces or the MOD from this area, or the presence in Pendle of defence suppliers, including their sub-contractors and employees. However, this regionally based information is not held centrally by the Department and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.