Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is his Department's policy on inviting tenders from the Belfast shipyard of Messrs. Harland and Wolff;
(2) whether he has invited shipyards to submit proposals for a new aviation support ship; whether Messrs. Harland and Wolff of Belfast will be given an opportunity to be considered for this project; and if he will make a statement.
64W(3) how many shipbuilding firms he made a presentation for the proposed new aviation support ship; why Messrs. Harland and Wolff were not invited to this presentation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Sainsbury[holding answer 21 October 1988]: A total of 61 companies responded positively to the invitation to attend a presentation given by my Department on the aviation support ship in June of this year, including seven private shipbuilding companies. The invitation to tender is being issued today, with tenders to be returned in July 1989. It is not envisaged that the order will be placed before 1990.
The Government have made it clear that a private sector Harland and Wolff will, subject to its suitability and eligibility, be able to tender for MOD contracts. On this basis, whether then it will be able and would wish to tender for the current contract will clearly depend on whether the future structure of the company can be resolved within the limited time available.