§ Mr. EasthamTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the source of the main propulsion engines for the LPH helicopter carrier; and what plans he has to encourage United Kingdom companies to offer to undertake their manufacture.
§ Mr. AitkenThe selection of the main propulsion engines for this ship is the responsibility of the prime454W contractor, VSEL, which has invited tenders from a number of engine manufacturers including United Kingdom companies. Industry was made aware of this opportunity by means of an MOD contract bulletin published in March 1992.