HC Deb 04 December 1995 vol 268 c2W
Mr. Home Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason the specification for integrated inertial navigation and global positioning system equipment for Sea Harriers was drafted in accordance with the US Department of Defence's requirement; and if he will instruct British Aerospace to amend that specification to accord with British requirements. [3727]

Mr. Arbuthnot

As prime contractor with responsibility for conducting the competition for an integrated inertial navigation and global positioning system for the Sea Harrier, British Aerospace defined the specifications to be applied. My Department has reviewed these specifications and is satisfied that they are consistent with recognised international standards.

Mr. Home Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what steps he has taken to ensure that British Aerospace treats all bidders fairly in its administration of the competition for the supply inertial navigation and global positioning systems for the Sea Harrier aircraft; [3725]

(2) what are the implication for the IN-GPS contract for the Sea Harrier aircraft of the relationship between British Aerospace, BASE and the division of Honeywell which is bidding for the contract. [3726]

Mr. Arbuthnot

British Aerospace's handling of the competition for an inertial navigation and global positioning system for the Sea Harrier has been closely supervised by my Department's technical and contracts staff. We are satisfied that the conduct of this competition has been fair and proper.

Mr. Home Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the economic and strategic importance of maintaining a British industrial capability to design and manufacture inertial navigation and guidance systems. [3728]

Mr. Arbuthnot

My Department is now assessing the results of the competition for an inertial navigation and global positioning system for the Sea Harrier prior to reaching a procurement decision. This assessment will take into account any impact on a continuing United Kingdom design capability in this technology field.