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1142912

registered interest
date	02/09/2019
answering body	Ministry of Defence
answering dept id	11
answering dept short name	Defence
answering dept sort name	Defence
hansard heading	Ministry of Defence: Travel
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to reduce the amount of public money lost through unused travel arrangements booked by his Department.
tabling member constituency	North Durham
tabling member printed	Mr Kevan Jones
uin	284353
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/09/2019 answer text <p>The Ministry of Defence (MOD) expects all staff to demonstrate the highest standards of responsibility when incurring travel expenses and to minimise unnecessary costs to the public purse. There are some instances, however, where rapidly changing business requirements necessitate last minute cancellations or amendments to travel bookings. For these situations, the MOD has a series of initiatives in place through Hogg Robinson Group (HRG), our travel management company, to reduce the amount of public money lost.</p><p>For air and rail, refunds are pursued for unused air tickets and uncollected rail tickets. Over the last two financial years this has yielded a combined return of £2.1 million.</p><p>For hotel 'no shows', where HRG is notified, it actively negotiates a waiver or reduction in charges. 'No shows' are also recorded and reported to budget holders on a monthly basis for their awareness and action where required.</p> answering member constituency Plymouth, Moor View answering member printed Johnny Mercer question first answered 09/09/2019 15:59:13 answering member 4485 label Biography information for Johnny Mercer
tabling member	1438 label Biography information for Mr Kevan Jones

1142913

registered interest
date	02/09/2019
answering body	Ministry of Defence
answering dept id	11
answering dept short name	Defence
answering dept sort name	Defence
hansard heading	Ministry of Defence: Accountancy
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will provide more details on what is meant by bookkeeping adjustments in his Department's Annual Report and Accounts 2018-19; and what plans he has to reduce the amount of such adjustments in the future.
tabling member constituency	North Durham
tabling member printed	Mr Kevan Jones
uin	284354
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/09/2019 answer text <p>Bookkeeping adjustments arise when an asset balance or transaction in the accounts is written off because there is no definitive evidence that confirms or denies the existence of the asset or supports the transaction, e.g. writing off asset balances which cannot be linked to physical assets, or balances that should have been cleared on project completion. The accounting adjustments detailed in the Department's Annual Report and Accounts needed to be made because the audit trails did not provide the required standard of certainty over the value of the asset balances or transactions involved. There was no evidence of fraud, theft or payments made in error.</p><p>Of the £25.622 million reported as Bookkeeping Adjustments, the majority (£24.441 million) relates to just four cases. There are ongoing initiatives to improve the quality and accuracy of the information reported in our Annual Report and Accounts. A Statement of Financial Position Group has been established to enforce a more rigid approach to the management of asset balances across the Department. As a result, we are introducing more regular review of asset balances and account reconciliations. The National Audit Office review the accounting treatment of procurement projects and account reconciliations as part of the financial audit of the Annual Report and Accounts and any errors are reported in the Departmental Management Letter. A formal process exists to monitor resolution of these errors and lessons are incorporated into Departmental Policy.</p> answering member constituency Berwick-upon-Tweed answering member printed Anne-Marie Trevelyan question first answered 09/09/2019 15:35:17 answering member 4531 label Biography information for Anne-Marie Trevelyan
tabling member	1438 label Biography information for Mr Kevan Jones

1142971

registered interest
date	02/09/2019
answering body	Ministry of Defence
answering dept id	11
answering dept short name	Defence
answering dept sort name	Defence
hansard heading	Hybrid Warfare
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has plans to improve the UK's hybrid warfare capability.
tabling member constituency	North Durham
tabling member printed	Mr Kevan Jones
uin	284460
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/09/2019 answer text <p>Hybrid threats present themselves across multiple domains, and consequently Her Majesty's Government considers a 'whole of Government approach' as critical to ensure effective resilience, response and deterrence.</p><p>The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has a key role to play in this, and is firmly committed to collaboration with other Government departments, working in line with Fusion Doctrine to achieve a cohesive approach<strong>.</strong></p><p>Informed by the policy direction set out in the National Security Capability Review (NSCR) and Modernising Defence Programme (MDP) MOD is actively working to evolve our vision for Joint Force 2025 to address the more uncertain, volatile international security environment that has developed since 2015.</p><p>As hybrid threats manifest in multiple domains, the UK needs to maintain credible forces to deter and defend against a broad spectrum of threats.</p><p>As we develop new capabilities to address emerging threats we must carefully and objectively balance this with the continued need to protect against conventional attack. Where possible we will seek to develop capabilities that have utility across the spectrum of conflict. We do not comment on the specifics of capabilities being developed in the interests of National Security, as these could be of use to a potential adversary.</p><p>Resilience is also key when dealing with hybrid threats, and we are aware that we must protect conventional capabilities from new threats. The MOD has, therefore, invested significantly in cyber defence and security across its capabilities and infrastructure, with £265 million being invested in a pioneering approach to root out cyber vulnerabilities within military platforms and wider cyber dependent systems, helping defence better understand and mitigate cyber risks.</p> answering member constituency Milton Keynes North answering member printed Mark Lancaster question first answered 09/09/2019 15:04:17 answering member 1544 label Biography information for Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton
tabling member	1438 label Biography information for Mr Kevan Jones

1142972

registered interest
date	02/09/2019
answering body	Ministry of Defence
answering dept id	11
answering dept short name	Defence
answering dept sort name	Defence
hansard heading	Tornado Aircraft: Training
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when his Department plans to end the service of the RAF Tornado simulator.
tabling member constituency	North Durham
tabling member printed	Mr Kevan Jones
uin	284466
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/09/2019 answer text <p>Following the drawdown of the Tornado Force in March 2019, the Tornado simulators at both RAF Marham and RAF Lossiemouth have been dismantled and disposed of.</p> answering member constituency Berwick-upon-Tweed answering member printed Anne-Marie Trevelyan question first answered 09/09/2019 15:34:52 answering member 4531 label Biography information for Anne-Marie Trevelyan
tabling member	1438 label Biography information for Mr Kevan Jones

1143142

registered interest
date	02/09/2019
answering body	Ministry of Defence
answering dept id	11
answering dept short name	Defence
answering dept sort name	Defence
hansard heading	Defence: Procurement
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has made an assessment of the extent to which the administration of Harland and Wolff will weaken the UK's sovereign defence capability.
tabling member constituency	North Durham
tabling member printed	Mr Kevan Jones
uin	284808
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/09/2019 answer text <p>For the purpose of safeguarding national security, the Department does not comment on whether a capability within the UK's industrial and technological base is vital for operational advantage or freedom of action reasons (often referred to as sovereign capabilities). Whilst we are disappointed to hear that Harland and Wolff entered administration, this will not affect current or future capabilities for the Royal Navy.</p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member constituency Berwick-upon-Tweed answering member printed Anne-Marie Trevelyan question first answered 09/09/2019 16:12:38 answering member 4531 label Biography information for Anne-Marie Trevelyan
tabling member	1438 label Biography information for Mr Kevan Jones

1143830

registered interest
date	02/09/2019
answering body	Ministry of Defence
answering dept id	11
answering dept short name	Defence
answering dept sort name	Defence
hansard heading	Shipbuilding: Graduates
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has plans to increase the number of graduates entering the UK's shipbuilding sector.
tabling member constituency	North Durham
tabling member printed	Mr Kevan Jones
uin	285218
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/09/2019 answer text <p>As the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSBS) acknowledges, having the skills within the UK to design, build, repair, and supply certain equipment and systems and integrate naval ships (and security sensitive equipment in all naval ships) is a key factor in the successful delivery of naval capability. We acknowledge that ensuring that there are sufficient numbers of properly skilled workers across the sector will require continued investment and support from Industry. BAE Systems have recently evidenced their commitment to developing world-class engineering skills by opening their Academy for Skills and Knowledge at Barrow.</p><p> </p><p>As I am sure you are aware, there are a variety of initiatives in place across the UK designed to support the development of skills, some are the responsibility of the Devolved Administrations. In relation to naval shipbuilding, the Maritime Enterprise Working Group with the support of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Ministry of Defence and the Society of Maritime Industries coordinate a long term programme of improvement to improve the industry's productivity and competitiveness, including assessing the underpinning skills base and roles.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Berwick-upon-Tweed answering member printed Anne-Marie Trevelyan grouped question UIN 285219 285220 question first answered 09/09/2019 16:10:57 answering member 4531 label Biography information for Anne-Marie Trevelyan
tabling member	1438 label Biography information for Mr Kevan Jones

1143831

registered interest
date	02/09/2019
answering body	Ministry of Defence
answering dept id	11
answering dept short name	Defence
answering dept sort name	Defence
hansard heading	Shipbuilding: Training
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to improve the skills base of the UK's shipbuilding industry.
tabling member constituency	North Durham
tabling member printed	Mr Kevan Jones
uin	285219
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/09/2019 answer text <p>As the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSBS) acknowledges, having the skills within the UK to design, build, repair, and supply certain equipment and systems and integrate naval ships (and security sensitive equipment in all naval ships) is a key factor in the successful delivery of naval capability. We acknowledge that ensuring that there are sufficient numbers of properly skilled workers across the sector will require continued investment and support from Industry. BAE Systems have recently evidenced their commitment to developing world-class engineering skills by opening their Academy for Skills and Knowledge at Barrow.</p><p> </p><p>As I am sure you are aware, there are a variety of initiatives in place across the UK designed to support the development of skills, some are the responsibility of the Devolved Administrations. In relation to naval shipbuilding, the Maritime Enterprise Working Group with the support of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Ministry of Defence and the Society of Maritime Industries coordinate a long term programme of improvement to improve the industry's productivity and competitiveness, including assessing the underpinning skills base and roles.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Berwick-upon-Tweed answering member printed Anne-Marie Trevelyan grouped question UIN 285218 285220 question first answered 09/09/2019 16:10:57 answering member 4531 label Biography information for Anne-Marie Trevelyan
tabling member	1438 label Biography information for Mr Kevan Jones

1143832

registered interest
date	02/09/2019
answering body	Ministry of Defence
answering dept id	11
answering dept short name	Defence
answering dept sort name	Defence
hansard heading	Shipbuilding: Training
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made of the roles in UK shipbuilding that have skills shortages.
tabling member constituency	North Durham
tabling member printed	Mr Kevan Jones
uin	285220
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/09/2019 answer text <p>As the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSBS) acknowledges, having the skills within the UK to design, build, repair, and supply certain equipment and systems and integrate naval ships (and security sensitive equipment in all naval ships) is a key factor in the successful delivery of naval capability. We acknowledge that ensuring that there are sufficient numbers of properly skilled workers across the sector will require continued investment and support from Industry. BAE Systems have recently evidenced their commitment to developing world-class engineering skills by opening their Academy for Skills and Knowledge at Barrow.</p><p> </p><p>As I am sure you are aware, there are a variety of initiatives in place across the UK designed to support the development of skills, some are the responsibility of the Devolved Administrations. In relation to naval shipbuilding, the Maritime Enterprise Working Group with the support of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Ministry of Defence and the Society of Maritime Industries coordinate a long term programme of improvement to improve the industry's productivity and competitiveness, including assessing the underpinning skills base and roles.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Berwick-upon-Tweed answering member printed Anne-Marie Trevelyan grouped question UIN 285218 285219 question first answered 09/09/2019 16:10:57 answering member 4531 label Biography information for Anne-Marie Trevelyan
tabling member	1438 label Biography information for Mr Kevan Jones

1143833

registered interest
date	02/09/2019
answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
answering dept id	201
answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
hansard heading	Shipbuilding
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps her Department is taking to increase the number of women entering the UK shipbuilding industry.
tabling member constituency	North Durham
tabling member printed	Mr Kevan Jones
uin	285221
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/09/2019 answer text <p>The Government is committed to encouraging more young people including women to consider a career in the engineering and manufacturing sector, including in shipbuilding. The Government has supported a year-long campaign to tackle the engineering skills gap and widen the pool of young people who join the profession.</p><p>The 2018 Year of Engineering was a national campaign to increase awareness and understanding of engineering among young people, their parents and their teachers.</p><p> </p><p>The Government is committed to working with the business community to create more inclusive workplaces from the shop floor to the boardroom. The Government has commissioned and supports several business-led, independent reviews on promoting diversity, including the Hampton-Alexander Review to increase the representation of women on boards and in senior leadership positions in FTSE 350 companies to 33% by 2020 and the Parker Review to increase the ethnic diversity of FTSE 350 boards by 2024. These reviews form part of the Government’s modern Industrial Strategy which aims to build an economy that works for all.</p> answering member constituency Stratford-on-Avon answering member printed Nadhim Zahawi question first answered 09/09/2019 09:41:30 answering member 4113 label Biography information for Nadhim Zahawi
tabling member	1438 label Biography information for Mr Kevan Jones