Answering a written question, Lord Coaker said the MOD publishes its future steel requirements and applies a procurement policy aimed at increasing the use of British-produced steel in defence contracts.
The Ministry of Defence has set out how it intends to strengthen domestic steel supply chains in support of the Defence Industrial Strategy, in response to a parliamentary question.
Baroness Redfern, a Conservative peer, asked His Majesty’s Government how they intended to strengthen domestic steel supply chains to support delivery of the strategy. Answering, Minister of State Lord Coaker said: “This Government is committed to creating the right conditions in the UK for a competitive and sustainable steel industry. The sector provides vital support to the UK’s defence capabilities, including specialist cast and forged steel components for a range of defence programmes. The department publishes its future pipeline for steel requirements, enabling UK steel manufacturers to better plan and bid for upcoming contracts.”
He continued: “The National Security Strategy, Strategic Defence Review, and Defence Industrial Strategy set out how a strong industrial base is critical for maintaining our national security infrastructure.”
On sourcing, the minister said: “While steel used in our major Defence programmes is generally sourced by our prime contractors from a range of UK and international suppliers, Ministry of Defence (MOD) procurement activity will continue to apply PPN 022, a policy aimed at increasing the use of British-produced steel in public contracts.”
Coaker added: “The MOD also supports the recently published UK Steel Strategy which sets out a long-term plan to revitalise the UK steel sector and restore domestic production to sustainable levels.”
Hopefully the combined strategies will sort out what has been a real problem for years. Well done.