A VITAL contract must be signed to support a Wimborne business, and Blandford Camp must be the home of the Signals, the House of Commons has heard.

North Dorset MP Robert Walter raised the two issues during the fourth day of debate on the Queen's Speech, which concentrated on defence issues and foreign affairs.

The debate was an opportunity for MPs to discuss a wide range of issues.

Mr Walter said Wimborne business Cobham Air Refuelling and Auxiliary Mission Equipment is involved in the Air Tanker project, which provides all the technology and gadgets that enable tankers to refuel aircraft in flight.

The company has developed this technology, but he said the Ministry of Defence have been slow to sign off on the contract which he believes is worth around £13 billion over 27 years.

Mr Walter said the contract had international implications and he called for the Secretary of State to sign the contract quickly.

He said: "We are on the verge of reaching a bidding round for that equipment with the United States - not for the 15 aircraft the RAF is talking about, but hundreds.

"But if the British Government have not even signed it off, will not the US Government question whether it is really as good as we say it is?"

Mr Walter also stressed that it was essential that Blandford Camp become the centre of all Signals activity with the Signals Officer in Chief based there.

He told the House: "Other Signals regiments should be brought on to Blandford Camp so that it maintains that part of the knowledge economy that is essential to the local Dorset economy."

Speaking afterwards, Mr Walter said: "Defence business is important to the local economy.

"Many civilian jobs depend on both Blandford Camp and the Air Tanker project.

"It is estimated Blandford Camp has an economic footprint of nearly £300 million a year.

"It was important I raise these issues with the Secretary of State so he is aware of just how strong support for Blandford Camp is in North Dorset."