§ Mr. Nicholas Brownasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will state the procurement timetable for the AOR2 vessel.
§ Mr. SainsburySwan Hunter Shipbuilders has been given a preferential opportunity to tender for the second AOR, to the Harland and Wolff design. Its tender was received on 18 June and this is now being evaluated. We hope to be able to negotiate a contract based on the terms and conditions outlined by my right hon. Friend on 24 April 1986, at column 434, so that work can commence on the ship as soon as possible after negotiations are completed.