§ Mr. SpellarTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what procedure was adopted for the contract for Puma modifications; and whether royal naval aircraft yard Fleetlands was invited to tender for any part of the contract.
§ Mr. AitkenThere have been many contracts for the modification of the Puma helicopter to maintain its operational effectiveness since it entered service. Royal naval aircraft yard—RNAY—Fleetlands, which is part of the naval aircraft repair organisation defence agency, is regularly tasked by my Department with embodiment of modification kits into service aircraft, and consideration174W has been given to RNAY Fleetlands carrying out such work on the Puma helicopter. Fleetlands is permitted to respond to MOD invitations to tender.