§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether the procurement division of his Department is actively considering tenders for the "Canberra" refurbishing programme; whether there has been a departure from previous practice whereby the original manufacturer of the aircraft Short Bros., Belfast would have been placed in a more favourable position; and what representation he has received on this matter.
§ Mr. PattieThere is no proposed departure from established practice. The Department has yet to make a final decision on whether competitive tenders will be sought for this refurbishing programme. This decision can only be taken after a careful analysis of the nature of the rework. This analysis will necessarily take some time.