Extract from Westminster Hall debate on Defence Capability - Oct 19
Friday, 20 October 2017 07:31
Sir Vince Cable (Twickenham) (LD):...The current Defence Secretary
was a stalwart supporter of that programme, and of the defence
partnership that was a key component within it. We also provided
substantial funding through the regional growth fund to enable what
was then AgustaWestland to diversify into civilian
aircraft while maintaining its military capacity. Although it is
seen as a niche industry, it is an important one—I think current
figures suggest that about 10% of British...Request free trial
Sir (Twickenham) (LD):...The
current Defence Secretary was a stalwart supporter of that
programme, and of the defence partnership that was a key component
within it. We also provided substantial funding through the
regional growth fund to enable what was then AgustaWestland to diversify into civilian
aircraft while maintaining its military capacity. Although it is
seen as a niche industry, it is an important one—I think current
figures suggest that about 10% of British aerospace exports come
from the helicopter subsector within the industry. There is a
massive supply chain; about 17,000 jobs depend on it. For the part
of the country that the hon. Member for Yeovil represents, south
Somerset, it is fundamental to its future as a regional economy.
The industry’s health is a matter of great importance...
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