§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the final selection for the future aircraft carrier is planned to take place; and if he will make a statement. [91334]
§ Mr. George Robertson[holding answer 26 July 1999]: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the right hon. and learned Member.
201WLetter from Sir Robert Walmsley to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 27 July 1999:
I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the Ministry of Defence's plans for the future aircraft carriers. This matter falls to me for answer within my responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.Bids have been received from two industrial teams for the next phase of the programme (the Assessment Phase) which will develop overall design proposals. Subject to the satisfactory conclusion of this process, we plan contract placement for the Assessment Phase this Autumn. Bids for the Demonstration and Manufacture Phase are scheduled for 2003 with contract placement scheduled for 2004.