HC Deb 28 April 1986 vol 96 cc332-3W
Mr. Greenway

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what account he proposes to take, in allocating contract for an AOR vessel, of the employment prospects of secondary suppliers to Swan Hunter, such as Walter Kidd Ltd., Northolt; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Norman Lamont

As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State said in the House on 24 April 1986, at column 434, Swan Hunter Shipbuilders will be given a preferential opportunity to bid for the second ship of the class on the basis that it will be to the same design as the first AOR and that the terms and conditions, cost and programme will be no less favourable to the MOD than already available from the lead shipyard for a follow-on ship.

Within the limitations of this framework, the choice of subcontractors will be a matter for Swan Hunter Shipbuilders to determine.