§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what assessment he has made of the proposals by Ferranti Computer Systems for a command and control system for the type 23 frigate; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what consideration he has given to the use of penalty clauses in the contracts for the command and control system for the type 23 frigate;
(3) what measures he is taking to ensure that production difficulties are minimised in the development and manufacture of the command control system for the type 23 frigate.
§ Mr. SainsburyI refer the hon. and learned Member to the statement that I made to the House during this year's Navy debate on 28 February at columns 166–67.
§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he next intends to invite tenders for additional type 23 frigates; and to which companies he will extend that invitation.
§ Mr. SainsburyI refer the hon. and learned Member to the answer that I gave on 28 April at column686.