§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 16 July,Official Report, column 710, what were the criteria adopted in choosing British Nuclear Fuels for the radiation sample analysis contract in 1992; and whether the renewal of BNFL's contract followed a process of competitive tendering.
§ Mr. AitkenBNFL won the sample analysis contract in 1992, following competitive tendering during which it was judged to have offered the best bid in terms of value for money and technical competence. Competitive tendering was not considered appropriate for the 1993 renewal. The need to build up a consistent and reliable database makes it advisable to continue with the same contractor for at least three years, provided the technical performance is satisfactory.