Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate has his Department made of the number of Welsh SMEs that will gain direct access to classified work through the Wales Defence Growth Deal.
Answer
Through the Wales Defence Growth Deal, the MOD will work collaboratively with other UK government departments, the Welsh Government and industry to make it easier for Welsh small and medium-sized businesses to gain greater direct access to secure defence contracts by ensuring they have the proper security clearances, creating a level playing field with major defence companies. No estimates can be made until these plans have been finalised through the Wales Defence Growth Deal.33% vibes
Verdict: AMBER (62/100)
The question asked for a numerical estimate, and the reply directly says no estimate can be given yet because the Wales Defence Growth Deal plans are not finalised. It also explains the process that the figure would depend on, namely securing the necessary security clearances with other departments, the Welsh Government and industry. The reply is clear and gives a reason, but it provides no figure, so the person who asked would likely need to follow up on when the plans will be settled.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is the Department's estimate of the number of Welsh SMEs that will gain direct access to classified work through the Wales Defence Growth Deal. | Addressed | Direct | The question asks for a numerical estimate, and the reply plainly states that no estimate can be made because the Wales Defence Growth Deal plans are not yet finalised, which is a clear answer with a stated reason. Statement 1 supports this by describing the concrete mechanism (working with other departments, the Welsh Government and industry to secure the necessary security clearances) that the figure would depend on. |