§ 16. Mr DenhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence in what circumstances British shipyards will be invited to tender for the refit of Hunt and Sandown class minehunters. [30570]
§ Mr. FreemanUnder the policy set out by my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 24 June 1993, British shipyards may be invited to tender for individual refits within the allocated programme should circumstances dictate such a need. Such circumstances might include operational factors, the needs of other vessels or failure to agree a fair and reasonable price with a royal dockyard company.