§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the timetable for the invitation and assessment of tenders for the construction of a fisheries research vessel; when he expects to announce the successful bid; and if he will make a statement. [25362]
§ Sir Hector MonroBy the end of this year, I hope to be in a position to announce the award of the contract to build a replacement fisheries research vessel. Invitations to tender will be issued by late summer, allowing nine weeks for their submission. A similar period will be devoted to the assessment of tenders.