§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy as regards buying trucks and cars of British manufacture for the use of naval colleges; what new vehicles have been bought by each naval college in the last three years; and if he will give the cost and country of origin in each case.
§ Mr. AitkenTrucks and cars for the naval colleges are purchased as part of the defence wide procurement of vehicles by my Department's procurement executive. In accordance with Government policy best value for money is sought through competition, which under European Community rules must be open to companies of all EC member nations.
The new vehicles issued to each of the naval colleges in the last three years are listed in the table:
Britannia Royal Naval College—Dartmouth
- 3 Rover Montego 2.0 DLX
- 2 Rover Metro City 1.0 L
- 1 Ford Escort Estate 1.8 D Popular
- 1 Renault Traffic 1100 D Crewbus
- 2 Leyland DAF 200 Minibus
- 1 Land Rover Defender 90
- 1 Land Rover Defender 110
- Plaxton 29 Seat Coach
- 1 Leyland DAF 200 Dropside Truck
- 2 Leyland DAF 4 Tonne Truck
Royal Naval College—Greenwich
- 1 Rover 825 D
- 4 Rover Montego 2.0 DLX
Royal Naval Engineering College—Manadon
- 1 Rover Montego 2.0 DLX
- 1 Leyland DAF 200 Dropside Truck
All the above vehicles originated in the United Kingdom, with the exception of the Renault Traffic, which originated in France.
The cost of the vehicles is commercially confidential.