HC Deb 17 September 2004 vol 424 c1867W
Helen Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to announce the preferred bidder for the Defence Information Infrastructure (Future) contract. [188264]

Mr. Ingram

[holding answer 13 September 2004]: It is intended that the identity of the Preferred Bidder for the Defence Information Infrastructure (Future) contract will be announced early in 2005.

Helen Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on the consequences for jobs and skills in North West England of decisions he may take on the Defence Information Infrastructure (Future) contract. [188265]

Mr. Ingram

[holding answer 13 September 2004]: No discussions have taken place between my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Defence and the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry with reference to the impact of the Defence Information Infrastructure (Future) (DII(Future)) contract. However, as part of the Assessment Phase for DII (Future), officials from the Supplier Relations Group in the Defence Procurement Agency have liaised with the Aerospace and Defence Unit of the DTI in respect of the UK impact of the respective bidders' proposals.