§ Mr. Doverasked the Secretary of State for Defence what hydrographic survey work is to be the subject of tenders from the private sector over the next six months.
§ Mr. Ian StewartIt is unlikely that any further contracts will be awarded for work to be carried out in 1983. Plans are, however, now being drawn up for the 1984 surveying season and my Department expects to be in a position to invite tenders during the next six months.
§ Mr. Doverasked the Secretary of State for Defence what savings were made by awarding two hydrographic surveys of the United Kingdom's continental shelf waters to private sector firms in 1982.
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§ Mr. Ian StewartThe contracts in question were awarded in order to progress urgent surveying work which would otherwise have been delayed owing to the deployment of the Royal Navy survey ships to the South Atlantic. There was no overall saving.