HC Deb 17 January 2000 vol 342 cc281-2W
Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what(a) future and (b) existing requirements for air-to-air refuelling of helicopters there are; and to what extent that requirement has been included in the European Staff Requirement against which the Future Transport Aircraft requirement is being assessed. [104648]

Mr. Kilfoyle

[holding answer 13 January 2000]: The MOD is considering a possible need to enable part of the future support helicopter fleet to conduct air-to-air refuelling operations. Final decisions to procure such a capability have yet to be taken.

The European Staff Requirement for the Future Large Aircraft includes an essential requirement for the aircraft to be capable of being re-roled as an air-to-air refuelling tanker, with a desirable requirement for it to be capable of refuelling helicopters.

Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason there has been a delay in a decision on the selection of the Future Transport Aircraft. [104647]

Mr. Kilfoyle

[holding answer 13 January 2000]: We are continuing to assess the proposals for the Future Transport Aircraft. A full technical and commercial assessment is being carried out, focusing on value for money and taking account of all relevant factors such as aircraft performance, cost, risk and industrial factors. We hope to be in a position to make a decision early this year.

Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if the Defence Procurement Agency will adopt the practices of smart procurement in relation to the Future Transport Aircraft requirement; [105171]

(2) what procurement practices the Defence Procurement Agency has adopted with regard to the Future Transport Aircraft selection; [105174]

(3) what assessment he has made of the compatibility of the requirements for airlift and air portability being used by his Department in its assessment of the Future Transport Aircraft contenders with those in the European Staff Requirement. [105173]

Mr. Kilfoyle

I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.