§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the total expenditure on advertising by the Department was in(a) 2001–02 and (b) 2002–03; and what the level of planned expenditure is for (i) 2003–04 and (ii) 2004–05. [114426]
§ Dawn PrimaroloFor(a), I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave him on 19 June 2002, Official Report, columns 387–390W; and for (b), to the Financial Secretary's answer to the hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Laws) on 5 March 2003, Official Report, columns 1061–63W. The information relating (i) to 2003–04 and (ii) 2004–05 is given in the table.
HM Treasury will take all relevant factors into account when considering proposals to provide the armed forces with an Advanced Jet Trainer, including the impact that any decision might have on the economy of the UK. Our objectives on this are clear and are shared across Government. We are determined to ensure that the armed forces get the best possible equipment at the best possible value for money to the taxpayer. We are committed to the Defence Industrial Policy launched last year, and to a globally competitive aerospace industry.