§ Dr. Godmanasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when he currently plans to place with Scott Lithgow the orders for (a) the range mooring vessel and (b) each of the powered mooring lighters; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will make it his policy to place the orders with Scott Lithgow for the range mooring vessel and the two powered mooring lighters not later than the spring of 1986; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what account he has taken of the work currently available to the Scott Lithgow yard in deciding the timing of placing there of orders (a) for the range mooring vessel and (b) each of the powered mooring lighters; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeIn view of the wider and more relevant factors the Government have decided to place an order for a range mooring vessel with Scott Lithgow later this year, followed by two lighters, subject to the negotiation of satisfactory terms and conditions. This timing reflects our operational requirements. Scott Lithgow will continue to be invited to tender for all MOD new construction and refit work which it is capable of undertaking. But it must be competitive if it is to win future orders.