§ Earl Attleeasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have changed their policy regarding the procurement of logistic vehicles for the Army; and, if so, what is the current policy. [HL1620]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanNo. The Government's policy remains to procure capability that meets the essential needs of the Armed Forces at a price that represents the best value for money for the taxpayer throughout its service life.
With regard to heavy logistic vehicles, the Ministry of Defence will shortly invite industry to bid for programmes to deliver modern, reliable and environmentally friendly wheeled tankers and support vehicles worth some £2 billion for all the armed services. This follows a decision that continuing with our previous plan to supply the capability under the private finance initiative would not meet the services' requirements at best value for money, a decision which I am confident is good for the services, for industry and for the taxpayer.