Defence Contracts

Oral Answers to Questions — Defence – in the House of Commons at 2:30 pm on 31 January 2011.

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Photo of Barry Sheerman Barry Sheerman Labour, Huddersfield 2:30, 31 January 2011

What his policy is on the use of individual and direct offset agreements in defence contracts.

Photo of Peter Luff Peter Luff The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence

The Ministry of Defence does not have offset agreements in defence contracts. We do invite prospective offshore suppliers to propose, on a voluntary and non-contractual basis, how they would work with UK companies in support of a contract placed overseas. Following the publication of a Green Paper in December, all policy issues relating to the acquisition of defence equipment are the subject of a consultation that closes on 31 March.

Photo of Barry Sheerman Barry Sheerman Labour, Huddersfield

Will the hon. Gentleman consider looking at this offset very seriously? Other countries use offset to great benefit, some using it to stimulate investment in environmental technologies. I know that the Government are consulting, as he says, so will he meet a group who have been discussing the issue and some of the industry leaders to discuss it further?

Photo of Peter Luff Peter Luff The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence

I would be delighted to do so, as part of the Green Paper consultation process.