§ Mr. JoplingTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons a limit of three weeks has been set for the contenders to modify their bids for the helicopter carrier; whether he will allow extra time, if this proves to be insufficient time to make the necessary adjustments; and if he will make it his policy to assess the rival bids purely on merits and price.
§ Mr. AitkenIn response to requests from the tenderers, additional time has been allowed for them to respond to the invitation to clarify their bids. We will hold a full and fair competition for the contract using our normal technical and value for money criteria.