§ Mr. Quentin DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he plans to acquire sonar 2087 for the Royal Navy; and when the system will be in service. [129232]
§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 11 July 2000]: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Robert Walmsley to Mr. Quentin Davies, dated 12 July 2000:
I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the plans to acquire Sonar 2087 for the Royal Navy and when it will be in service. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.Two companies, Thomson Marconi Sonar Ltd and Babcock Defence Systems Ltd, are currently competing for the Demonstration, Manufacture and Support contract for Sonar 2087.572WWe expect to place a contract in Spring 2001. Subject to negotiations with the successful contractor, we plan to bring the equipment into service at the end of 2005.