Question
As chair of the all-party parliamentary group for ethics and sustainability in fashion, I ask why our military and NHS uniforms are made overseas in countries like China, when factories in my constituency are ready, and can stimulate the local economy and provide jobs. Will the Minister use public procurement to bring advanced textile manufacturing back to Britain and will he meet me to discuss how?
Answer
The hon. Member raises an important issue. It also touches on the broader topic that this Government are focusing on relentlessly: through reforms to procurement, backing British business and ensuring that more of the goods and services that the British Government buy are built and made here in the UK.33% vibes
Verdict: RED (22/100)
The reply only acknowledges that the Member raises an important issue and gives no reason why military and NHS uniforms are made overseas, including in China. It does say that procurement reforms will ensure more government-bought goods are made in the UK, but it does not mention advanced textiles specifically. It also does not mention a meeting or any offer of further engagement. A member of the public would likely find the reply largely unresponsive and would probably need to ask again for specifics.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is the reason that military and NHS uniforms are currently manufactured overseas, including in China. | Not Addressed | Generic | The only statement touching this item is an acknowledgment that the Member raises an important issue; the reply gives no reason for overseas manufacture of military or NHS uniforms, including in China. |
| Will the Government use public procurement to bring advanced textile manufacturing back to Britain. | Addressed | Direct | The reply names procurement reforms as the mechanism and commits to ensuring more goods bought by government are made in the UK, which answers the 'will you use procurement' question in general terms, though it does not mention advanced textiles specifically. |
| Will the Minister meet the member to discuss how public procurement could bring advanced textile manufacturing back to Britain. | Not Addressed | Generic | Nothing in the reply refers to a meeting, offer of a meeting, or any engagement with the Member on this topic. |