§ Mr. Smallasked the Secretary of State for Defence what preference is given to development areas in the award of naval shipbuilding contracts; and what proportion, by value, of such contracts has been awarded to firm's in development areas over the last three years.
§ Mr. John MorrisShipbuilders in development areas are given every suitable opportunity to tender for naval shipbuilding contracts. They receive preference over firms outside these areas in the allocation of orders, if all other considerations are equal.
The proportion by value of naval shipbuilding contracts awarded over the last three years to firms in development areas was 83 per cent.
§ Mr. Smallasked the Secretary of State for Defence what were the considerations which led to Vospers being awarded the contract to build the first Tyne 21 frigate in preference to Yarrows.
§ Mr. John MorrisThe contract to build the first Type 21 frigate was placed as a result of competitive tendering and was awarded on the merits of the tenders received.