§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what will be the impact on(a) the cost to his Department and (b) the time scale for completion of the contract of ITT 's take-over from Racal of the Bowman VHF system; and if he will make a statement. [113906]
§ Dr. MoonieThis 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. Mike Hancock, dated 15 March 2000:
I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about Bowman cost and timescale. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.ITT Defence has been selected by Archer Communications Systems Ltd (ACSL) as preferred supplier to provide the VHF radio as part of ACSL's preparations to bid for the main production contract later this year. Precise details of the selection process are a matter for the Prime Contractor. However, the selection was made with a view to meeting the requirement at minimum cost, minimum risk and maximum speed of programme.