§ Mr. BowisTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how he proposes to ensure that the Spearfish torpedo procurement is subjected to competitive tendering.
§ Mr. SainsburyA number of companies have expressed interest in participating in the forthcoming Spearfish torpedo main production order. We plan to issue invitations to tender to all interested companies later this year with a view to awarding the prime contract in 1990. We will announce the issue of the ITT in the MOD contracts bulletin to stimulate the maximum possible competition at sub-contractor level.