Defence: Lancashire

Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent assessment he has made of the prospect of future job losses at defence manufacturing sites in Lancashire. [81262]

Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence's first responsibility when procuring equipment is to provide the armed forces with the capabilities they require at a cost which is affordable and represents value-for-money for the UK taxpayer. Future employment prospects are a matter for the companies concerned, although we recognise that our choices in defence acquisition have a significant and long-term impact on UK industry, and therefore on the livelihood of many of our citizens. The Government are actively supporting defence export campaigns overseas including those for the Typhoon fast-jet which is competing in various competitions including India, Japan, Malaysia and Qatar and which, if successful, will both protect and create jobs in Lancashire and in other parts of the UK.