§ 9. Mrs. Anne Campbell (Cambridge)What criteria he will use to decide on the award of the contract for the wheeled tanker project. [76701]
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Mr. Adam Ingram)The decision we reach will be based on ensuring the best capability for our armed forces at the best value for money, for defence and the British taxpayer. We will use a range of criteria to reach the decision for contract award, which will include technical and commercial compliance, through-life support and industrial participation.
§ Mrs. CampbellWhen my right hon. Friend considers the award of that contract, will he take into account superior British technology, long experience in serving the MOD and excellent British workmanship? All are available from Marshall Aerospace in my constituency.
§ Mr. IngramWe shall certainly take into account all those factors, whichever contractor bids for the project.
§ Miss Anne McIntosh (Vale of York)The right hon. Gentleman will be aware of the prestigious company, Multidrive Ltd., in Thirsk in my constituency, which 12 can outshine any bid. When might a decision be announced, bearing it in mind that, wherever possible, if all the criteria are met, including quality, on-time delivery and value for money, the Government will choose British?
§ Mr. IngramI cannot give the hon. Lady a precise month, but the decision is imminent. I suspect that is why there is so much public lobbying at present.