§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he had made of the financial cost of attack helicopter marinisation; and if he will make a statement. [31259]
§ Mr. FreemanThe ability to sustain continuous operations in a harsh maritime environment was not a requirement of the attack helicopter competition invitation to tender. However, bidders were asked a range of questions designed to establish their contender's ability to operate occasionally from ships in support of amphibious operations, together with costs for a number of specific modifications. Their responses have been considered together with many other factors as part of the overall assessment process. It would not be appropriate to comment on the details of individual bids.