90. Mr. McNeilasked the First Lord of the Admiralty on what basis work is being undertaken for the completion of the cruiser, H.M.S. "Defence"; which firms were invited to tender; which firms declined to tender; which firms submitted a tender; and which tender has been accepted.
§ Commander NobleHer Majesty's ship "Defence" is being completed on the basis that a fair and reasonable price will be agreed between the Admiralty and the selected shipbuilders, who are required to quote a fixed price as soon as possible. Work of this magnitude and complexity does not lend itself to valid competitive tendering, and the remaining parts of the right hon. Gentleman's Question do not arise.