Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list the short- to medium-term equipment procurement projects which, if brought forward ahead of schedule, could provide economic support to (a) the UK aerospace industry and (b) its supply-chain companies; and if he will hold urgent discussions with the Chancellor to obtain flexibility in his Department's budget to enable the acceleration of procurement projects for this purpose.  [53274]

[Due for Answer on 8 June.]

ANSWER

The Minister of State for Defence Procurement (Jeremy Quin): The Ministry of Defence is working closely with HM Treasury and our industry partners to fully assess the impact of the pandemic on the UK Defence Sector. The Ministry of Defence has continued to place orders throughout the COVID pandemic and we continue to identify opportunities within the departmental portfolio to provide economic support to UK industry.