Oral Question·Treasury
“If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities.”
Tabled: 22 April 2026Answered: 28 April 2026
Asked by
Chris Coghlan
Liberal Democrat — Dorking and Horley
Answering Minister
the Chancellor of the Exchequer
Answer from Hansard
The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (James Murray)
Whatever the purpose, spending funded from bonds issued by the Government adds to the national debt and so must be considered within the fiscal rules. But the hon. Gentleman is right to point to the importance of research and development within the defence industry to support economic growth. I am proud that last year we allocated £400 million for UK defence innovation to foster a world-leading UK defence tech sector.